Question no 31: What distinguishes Team Management (9,9) as a leadership style, and how does it align with McGregor's Theory Y?
Answer: Team Management (9,9) involves close involvement of staff in decision-making, creating a collaborative and participative environment. It aligns with McGregor's Theory Y, emphasizing a positive view of employees as responsible and committed.
Question no 32: Why is Middle of the Road Management (5,5) often considered the least effective leadership style, and what does it entail in terms of balancing concern for people and production?
Answer: Middle of the Road Management (5,5) involves compromises to achieve acceptable performance but is often seen as the least effective. It strikes a balance between concern for people and production without excelling in either aspect, potentially lacking the strengths of more specialized leadership styles.
Question no 33: What is the central concept of the Great Man Theory of Leadership, and how does it view the development of leaders?
Answer: The Great Man Theory suggests that certain individuals possess inherent qualities, such as charisma and wisdom, making them natural leaders. According to this concept, great leaders are believed to be "born to lead" rather than developed through training or experience.
Question no 34: How did Herbert Spencer challenge the Great Man Theory, and what was his perspective on the nature vs. nurture debate in leadership?
Answer: Herbert Spencer challenged the Great Man Theory by emphasizing the role of "nurture" in leadership. He argued that leaders are products of their societies, shaped by social conditions and the environment. Spencer believed that the society in which individuals live determines their ability to lead.
Question no 35: Can you provide examples of historical leaders often cited as examples of the Great Man Theory, and what remarkable qualities did they exhibit?
Answer: Historical leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi are cited as examples of the Great Man Theory. They displayed remarkable qualities, such as charisma and intelligence, from an early age and made significant impacts on their societies.
Question no 36: What are some criticisms of the Great Man Theory, and how has contemporary leadership research evolved from this perspective?
Answer: Criticisms of the Great Man Theory include oversimplification of leadership, neglect of situational and skill-based factors, and the argument that leaders are products of their societies, as proposed by Herbert Spencer. Modern leadership research has moved away from this theory, recognizing the complexity of leadership and the influence of various factors, including the characteristics of group members and specific situations.
