The homework due on 3/24 involves a one-page written assignment.
There is a Captivate lecture in this folder that offers explanations of the two theories you are to choose from when completing your homework. Of course, you should listen to the entire Captivate lecture (not just the part related to the theory you choose for homework). 🙂
The assignment is: Use either path-goal theory or the Fiedler model to explain why or why not a well-known leader (of your choice) is leading appropriately for the situation in no more than one page (worth 7 points). Please be sure to:
1) Explain how specifics of the theory can be used to analyze the leader and the situation.
– For path-goal theory, this means taking a close look at the Powerpoint slide (and my explanation in the Captivate lecture on-line about this theory) so that you discuss how the leader has (or has not) used at least one of the following leader behaviors (directive, supportive, achievement-oriented, participative) in a situation that called for that behavior. In the Powerpoint slide, you will see aspects of the situation (task structure, followers’ experience/ability, etc.) that should be used when describing the situation.
– For Fiedler’s model, this means explaining why you think the leader is relationship or task oriented AND then describing how much the overall situation involves position power, task structure, and leader-member relations. You should listen carefully to the Captivate lecture on this theory. Remember that when describing position power, task structure, and leader-member, relations, you want to think about the situation separate from the leader (for example, the situation would be “a president of the U.S.” rather than Obama specifically; or a CEO of a company in trouble rather than a specific CEO).
2) Explain whether the theory says that the leader is effective or ineffective based on your analysis as explained in #1.
You can use a leader that is less well-known if you provide details that show clearly (not just hint subtly) that you understand the theories.
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