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Questions and Answers
What is the primary distinction between top-down and bottom-up views of leadership authority?
What is the primary distinction between top-down and bottom-up views of leadership authority?
The top-down view emphasizes that power flows from higher to lower levels, while the bottom-up view posits that power originates from the workers who can accept or reject directives.
List the four conditions necessary for an order to be accepted according to the bottom-up view.
List the four conditions necessary for an order to be accepted according to the bottom-up view.
The four conditions are understanding the order, believing it aligns with organizational goals, feeling it is compatible with personal interests, and being mentally and physically able to comply.
How does serving leadership bridge the gap between top-down and bottom-up views?
How does serving leadership bridge the gap between top-down and bottom-up views?
Servant leadership recognizes the interdependent relationship between leaders and followers, acknowledging the authority of management while emphasizing the need to serve and support subordinates.
What is the fundamental belief of traditional leadership authority in the U.S.?
What is the fundamental belief of traditional leadership authority in the U.S.?
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According to Robert Greenleaf, what is the secret to a great leader's greatness?
According to Robert Greenleaf, what is the secret to a great leader's greatness?
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What is the primary focus of a servant leader according to the text?
What is the primary focus of a servant leader according to the text?
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List the four questions that servant leaders should ask their employees.
List the four questions that servant leaders should ask their employees.
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How does the Upside-down pyramid approach reflect the values of servant leadership?
How does the Upside-down pyramid approach reflect the values of servant leadership?
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What qualities should a servant leader possess to effectively support their team?
What qualities should a servant leader possess to effectively support their team?
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In a military context, what principle guides leaders in servant leadership?
In a military context, what principle guides leaders in servant leadership?
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What is the primary goal of participative leadership?
What is the primary goal of participative leadership?
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How does participative leadership differ from autocratic leadership?
How does participative leadership differ from autocratic leadership?
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What role does emotional expression play in participative leadership?
What role does emotional expression play in participative leadership?
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What is meant by 'influence based on technical competence and knowledge' in participative leadership?
What is meant by 'influence based on technical competence and knowledge' in participative leadership?
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What is one negative consequence of power highlighted in the text?
What is one negative consequence of power highlighted in the text?
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How did the performance of the autocratic care unit compare to the participative care unit?
How did the performance of the autocratic care unit compare to the participative care unit?
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What does Lord Acton's quote about power imply about leadership?
What does Lord Acton's quote about power imply about leadership?
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Why is consensus important in managing conflict within a participative leadership framework?
Why is consensus important in managing conflict within a participative leadership framework?
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What is the significance of 'full and free communication' in participative leadership?
What is the significance of 'full and free communication' in participative leadership?
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What are the two sources of power discussed in the text?
What are the two sources of power discussed in the text?
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Study Notes
Leadership Authority
- Leadership authority is based on position within an organizational hierarchy
- Power flows from the highest level to the lowest
- The pyramid of authority forms the basis for classical organizational structures
- Workers support supervisors and managers who, in turn, support executives (bottom-up view)
- The "top-down" view of authority is derived from the right of private property; owners manage like private owners, as long as they don't violate the rights of others.
- Leaders may delegate authority to managers, executives, or supervisors.
- The "bottom-up" view explains that authority is granted by those below because people have the capacity to reject directions that do not align with their understanding or interests
- For order to be accepted, the order must be understood, consistent with organizational goals, compatible with interests, and the recipient must be mentally and physically able to comply
- Servant leadership recognizes both top-down and bottom-up views and addresses the interdependent nature of the leadership-follower relationship.
Servant Leadership
- Robert Greenleaf defines servant leadership as a "calling to serve"
- It begins with a caring attitude towards others and a desire to help.
- A conscious decision to lead others often stems from a desire to serve.
- The principle of servant leadership is that a great leader is a servant first
- Servant leadership involves a giving orientation that encourages trust, listening, and ethical use of power and empowerment.
- This approach utilizes an upside-down pyramid, where customers and clients are at the top and the leader supports frontline workers.
- Servant leaders ask employees four questions: what's going well, what can be improved, do you have what you need, and how can I help achieve goals?
- Servant leaders prioritize access, communication, and support; they are available, listen effectively, facilitate meetings to share/solve issues and provide guidance.
Military Leaders
- Military leaders prioritize the well-being and development of their subordinates (soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guard)
- They put the needs of their subordinates before their own needs.
- The principle of leadership is "Mission first, soldiers always."
Participative Leadership Philosophy
- Participative leadership leverages the constructive power of people to create a more humanistic and productive workplace.
- It involves engaging people in the process, fostering understanding, and encouraging commitment.
- Communication is open and free regardless of rank or power.
- Conflict is managed through consensus.
- Influence stems from technical competence and knowledge.
- Emotional expression and task-oriented acts are encouraged.
Negative Consequences of Power
- Power can corrupt individuals; absolute power corrupts absolutely.
- A study of Intensive Care Units found that autocratic leadership had higher employee turnover, decreased efficiency, and twice the rate of patient deaths
- Power is derived from both position and individual characteristics (Table 8.1).
Psychological Size
- Power has psychological implications
- Power can shape communication patterns within the workplace
- Employees tend to be in a weaker position compared to their leaders
- Unequal psychological size affects relationships and can inhibit communication
- High-status position, terminal statements, formal/distant manner, know-it-all attitude, commanding appearance, power to make decisions, sarcasm/ridicule usage, cruel/punishing remarks, interrupting/shouting, public criticism can all contribute to psychological size.
- A leader can equalize psychological size by listening, showing interest in people, modeling open communication, and engaging employees in challenging, growth-oriented projects.
- Guidelines for two-way communication emphasize active listening, empathy, patience, and avoiding distractions.
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Description
This quiz explores the various concepts of leadership authority within organizational structures. It covers the dynamics of power flow, top-down and bottom-up views, and the principles of servant leadership. Test your understanding of how authority is established and delegated in organizations.
