Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OL Final Material (2) - 1
OL Final Material (2) - 1
Semester – IV
B.com
Edition: 2024
#44/4, District Fund Road, Behind Big Bazaar, Jayanagar 9th Block, Bengaluru,
Karnataka -560069
INDEX
Reference Books:
• HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Leadership – Harvard Business Review Press
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 – Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves, Patrick M. Lencioni
• Leading Change – John P. Kotter
• Organization Theory, Design and Change – Gareth R. Jones
• Geeks & Geezers – How Era, Values & Defining Moments Shape Leaders – Warren
G. Bennis
• Great by Choice – Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck – Why some thrive despite them all – Jim
Collins and Morten T. Hansen
• Personal and Organizational transformations – David Rooke and Bill Torbert
• Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value – Bill
George
• X-Teams: How to Build Teams that Lead, Innovate and Succeed – Deborah Ancona
and Henrik Bresman.
• "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box" by The Arbinger Institute
• "The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail" by
Clayton M. Christensen
• "Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the
Competition Irrelevant" by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
• "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't" by
Jim Collins
Course Outcomes:
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the concepts of leadership and management (3)
• Discover global Leadership theories and practices (3)
• Identify emerging Organisational Leadership practices (4)
• Discover team dynamics and team diversity management (3)
• Examine the need of change management though strategic leadership (3)
Structure
Module –1: Leadership Traits & Ethics
In summary, while leadership and management are complementary, they involve distinct focuses,
approaches, and skill sets. Leadership is about inspiring and influencing people toward a shared vision,
fostering innovation, and navigating change. On the other hand, management is about planning,
organizing, and controlling resources to efficiently achieve specific goals. Both roles are essential for
organizational success, each contributing its unique strengths to the overall effectiveness of an enterprise.
FOLLOWERS
Followership is a critical aspect of leadership that focuses on the individuals or team members who follow
For Private Circulation only ~5~
and support a leader. While much emphasis is traditionally placed on leadership qualities, understanding
followership is essential for a comprehensive view of group dynamics and organizational success.
THE ROLE OF FOLLOWERS
Followership is important in the discussion of leadership for several reasons. First, leadership and
followership are fundamental roles that individuals shift into and out of under various conditions
Everyone-leaders included is a follower at one time or another. Indeed, most individuals, even those in a
position of authority, have some kind of boss or supervisor. Individuals are more often followers than
leaders.
In a position of leadership, an individual is influenced by the actions and the attitudes of followers. In
fact, the contingency theories are based on how leaders adjust their behavior to fit situations, especially
their followers. Thus, the nature of leader-follower relationships involves reciprocity, the mutual
exchange of influence.) The followers' influence upon a leader can enhance the leader or underscore the
leader's shortcomings.
Third, many of the qualities that are desirable in a leader are the same qualities possessed by an effective
follower. In addition to demonstrating initiative, independence, commitment to common goals, and
courage, a follower can provide enthusiastic support of a leader, but not to the extent that the follower
fails to challenge the leader who threatens the values or objectives of the organization. This is not very
different from the role of leader. Both leader and follower roles are proactive; together they can achieve
a shared vision. The military often provides insight into the interaction of leadership and followership. A
performance study of U.S. Navy personnel found that the outstanding ships were those staffed by
followers who supported their leaders but also took initiative and did not avoid raising issues or concerns
with their superiors. D. Michael Abrashoff, former commander of the USS Benfold, recognized as one of
the best ships in the Navy, always encouraged his followers to speak up. To Abrashoff, the highest boss
should be the sailor who does the work-the follower-not the person with the most stripes on his or her
uniform. In any organization, leaders can help develop effective followers, just as effective followers
develop better leaders. The performance of followers, leaders, and the organization are variables that
depend on one another.
FOLLLOWER STYLES
The concept of follower styles refers to the various ways individuals approach and engage with leadership
within a group or organization. Different followers may exhibit distinct styles based on their attitudes,
behaviors, and interactions with leaders. While there are several models to categorize follower styles,
here are four common types:
1. Alienated Followers:
The Big Five Model, also known as the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality, is a widely accepted
framework in psychology that categorizes human personality traits into five broad dimensions. These
dimensions are considered to encompass the majority of personality traits and provide a comprehensive
understanding of an individual's personality. The Big Five Model includes the following five factors:
1. Openness to Experience:
• Description: This dimension reflects the extent to which an individual is open-minded,
imaginative, and open to new ideas and experiences.
For Private Circulation only ~9~
• Characteristics: High scorers tend to be creative, curious, and open to change, while low scorers
may prefer routine, tradition, and familiarity.
2. Conscientiousness:
• Description: Conscientiousness measures the degree to which a person is organized, responsible,
and goal-oriented.
• Characteristics: Individuals high in conscientiousness are typically reliable, diligent, and focused
on achieving their objectives. Those low in conscientiousness may be more spontaneous and less
structured in their approach.
3. Extraversion:
• Description: Extraversion refers to the level of sociability, assertiveness, and enthusiasm a person
exhibits.
• Characteristics: Extraverts are outgoing, energetic, and enjoy social interactions. Introverts, on
the other hand, are more reserved, reflective, and may prefer solitary activities.
4. Agreeableness:
• Description: Agreeableness measures the degree to which an individual is cooperative,
empathetic, and considerate of others.
• Characteristics: Highly agreeable individuals are often compassionate, understanding, and
cooperative. Those low in agreeableness may be more competitive or skeptical.
5. Neuroticism (Emotional Stability):
• Description: Neuroticism gauges emotional stability and the tendency to experience negative
emotions such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
• Characteristics: Individuals with high neuroticism may be more prone to mood swings, anxiety,
and stress. Low scorers tend to be more emotionally stable and resilient in the face of challenges.
How the Big Five Model Works:
• Scoring: Each dimension is measured on a scale, with individuals falling somewhere along the
continuum for each trait.
• Combinations: People's unique personalities are often described in terms of their scores on each
of the five dimensions. For example, someone might be high in openness, moderate in
conscientiousness, high in extraversion, high in agreeableness, and low in neuroticism.
• Stability: While individual scores may change over time, the Big Five traits are generally
considered stable across the lifespan.
Significance and Applications:
• Research and Psychology: The Big Five Model is widely used in psychological research to study
The hard approach to motivation relies on coercion, implicit threats, micromanagement, and tight
controls— essentially an environment of command and control. The soft approach, however, is to be
permissive and seek harmony in the hopes that, in return, employees will cooperate when asked. However,
neither of these extremes is optimal. The hard approach results in hostility, purposely low output, and
extreme union demands. The soft approach results in a growing desire for greater reward in exchange for
diminished work output.
It might seem that the optimal approach to human resource management would lie somewhere between
these extremes. However, McGregor asserts that neither approach is appropriate, since the basic
assumptions of Theory X are incorrect.
When will the message be transmitted? Timing is important. For example, if it is going to take 15 minutes
to transmit a message, don't approach an employee 5 minutes before quitting time. Wait until the next
day. Make an appointment when appropriate.
Where will the message be transmitted? Decide on the best setting-your office, the receiver's workplace,
and so forth. Remember to keep distractions to a minimum.
LISTENING
Listening is the process of giving the speaker your undivided attention. At the speaker sends the message,
Structure
2.2 Introduction 30
2.1 Introduction
The study of leadership theories is an essential and dynamic field within the realm of organizational
behavior and management. Leadership, as a multifaceted and influential phenomenon, has garnered
substantial attention from scholars and practitioners alike seeking to understand the intricacies of effective
guidance, influence, and direction within diverse contexts. This chapter delves into various prominent
leadership theories that have evolved over time, each offering a unique lens through which to examine
the qualities, behaviors, and relationships inherent in successful leadership. From early trait-based
perspectives to contemporary theories emphasizing situational adaptability, this exploration aims to
provide a comprehensive overview of the major frameworks shaping our understanding of leadership. As
we navigate through trait theories, behavioral approaches, contingency models, and transformative
paradigms, the nuanced interplay between leaders and followers emerges, revealing the complex and
pg. 30
ever-evolving nature of effective leadership in the modern organizational landscape.
The group of researchers conducted a series of experiments on school children in order to answer these
questions. The result was the development of an interesting tripartite theory of leadership.
The three styles of leadership
i. Authoritarian
pg. 31
An authoritarian leader is one who likes to exercise control over the followers. As per the Iowa leadership
studies, followers do not enjoy such a style of leadership. Such leaders make all decisions and expect
blind obedience from followers. Due to the inherent arrogance, decision-making may sometimes be
compromised as the diversity of opinions is not allowed.
Authoritarian leaders are most commonly seen in centralized and formalized organizations. Very few
people have decision-making power. Although it allows speedy decision-making, employees are mostly
unhappy.
ii. Democratic
Unlike an authoritarian leader, a democratic leader is more people-oriented. Democratic leaders do not
hoard power. Instead, they focus on developing cohesive group structures and participative decision-
making. They exercise control where required but let followers have their bit of autonomy. Followers are
seen to be confident, responsible and accountable. They like their boss and are much more productive.
Since followers have high autonomy, it is also important that the employees are competent enough to take
decisions. Therefore, if employees are not talented enough, the organization can land into trouble due to
democratic leadership. Democratic organizations have higher corporate costs. This is because the skilled
and talented employees need to be paid higher salaries.
In addition, decentralization of power may not be very useful and economical in large organizations.
However, it may prove very beneficial for small organizations.
iii. Laissez-fair
Laissez-fair leadership refers to the absence of leadership. The leader does not exercise any power or
authority. The group becomes a rudderless ship. There are a lot of followers but there is no one to guide
them in one direction. Hence such groups often tend to lack focus and direction. Their productivity and
creativity also tend to be low.
Laissez-fair leaders lack competence. A laissez-fair leader is not good for any type of organization
because they lack passion and initiative.
pg. 33
Disadvantages of the Michigan Model of Leadership:
• Over-simplification: Critics argue that the model oversimplifies the complexities of leadership
by reducing it to just two behavioral styles. Leadership is a multifaceted phenomenon, and
reducing it to a binary classification may not capture its full complexity.
• Cultural Limitations: The model was developed primarily in a Western context and may not
adequately consider cultural variations in leadership preferences. Leadership expectations and
behaviors can vary significantly across cultures, and the model might not be universally
applicable.
• Limited Task Consideration: The model places a significant emphasis on interpersonal
relationships but may not provide sufficient guidance on task-related considerations. Effective
leadership requires a balance between people-oriented and task-oriented behaviors
• Lack of Contemporary Emphasis: Since its development, the business environment has evolved
considerably. The model may not fully address contemporary leadership challenges and dynamics,
such as the rise of digital technologies and remote work.
• Inflexibility: The model may be perceived as inflexible by categorizing leaders into two distinct
types. In reality, effective leadership often involves a blend of both employee-oriented and
production-oriented behaviors, and leaders may need to adapt their style based on situational
demands.
pg. 35
Advantages of the Ohio State Leadership Studies
• Dual Focus: One of the strengths of the Ohio State Leadership Studies is its dual focus on both
task-oriented and relationship-oriented behaviors. This recognition that effective leadership
involves addressing both the task and interpersonal aspects contributes to a more comprehensive
understanding of leadership.
• Empirical Foundation: Similar to the Michigan Model, the Ohio State Leadership Studies were
based on empirical research, providing a scientific foundation for the identified dimensions of
leadership behavior.
• Measurable and Observable: The model's dimensions, initiating structure and consideration, are
tangible and observable behaviors, making them easier to measure and study compared to more
abstract leadership qualities.
• Applicability to Various Contexts: The model's broad applicability makes it suitable for diverse
organizational contexts and industries. It provides a framework that can be adapted to different
leadership situations.
• Practical Implications: The identification of specific leadership behaviors (initiating structure
and consideration) has practical implications for leadership development and training programs.
It provides clear guidelines for leaders to enhance their effectiveness.
Disadvantages of the Ohio State Leadership Studies
• Simplicity: Like the Michigan Model, the Ohio State Leadership Studies are criticized for
oversimplifying leadership. By reducing leadership behavior to just two dimensions, it may not
capture the full complexity of leadership in different contexts.
• Potential Conflicts: The two dimensions (initiating structure and consideration) are not mutually
exclusive, and there can be situations where both are necessary. Overemphasis on one dimension
at the expense of the other might lead to conflicts in leadership approaches.
• Static Nature: The model suggests fixed dimensions of leadership behavior, which may not
adequately address the dynamic nature of leadership. Effective leaders often need to adapt their
behaviors based on changing circumstances.
• Cultural Bias: Similar to the Michigan Model, the Ohio State Leadership Studies may exhibit
cultural bias, as it was primarily developed in a Western context. Leadership expectations and
behaviors can vary significantly across cultures, and the model may not be universally applicable.
• Limited Individual Differences: The model does not delve deeply into individual differences
among leaders. Leadership effectiveness can also be influenced by personal traits, skills, and
pg. 36
situational factors, which are not extensively explored in this model.
pg. 37
Impoverished Leadership Style (1,1)
Leaders with impoverished leadership styles show very little concern for both people and production.
Such leaders cannot satisfy the production requirements of the organization. They also do not care about
the employee’s needs.
Country Club Leadership Style (1,9)
In the country club style, leaders have a high concern for people i.e. employees’ needs but have a low
concern for production. This leadership style enhances the better leader-follower relationship, a good
working environment, and job security.
In addition, this managerial grid model of leadership claims that for a higher level of employee satisfaction
and loyalty, leaders should follow this country club style.
Middle of the Road Style (5,5)
Leaders with average concern for both people and production follow this style. Leaders with the middle-
of-the-road style can balance productivity as well as good human relations in the organization. This is the
best behavioral pattern of leadership to maintain organizational growth and employee loyalty.
Task Style (9,1)
Leaders with task styles have a high concern for production but a low concern for people. This style of
leadership encourages the maximization of production but ignores the leader-follower relationship. As
such, the task leadership style is not fit where maintaining good human relations is required.
Team Management Style (9,9)
Leaders with a team management style pay the highest concern for both production and people. As being
concerned for people, employee satisfaction will be high, at the same with the maximum concern for
production, production efficiency also remains high.
This style is the most effective leadership style among all the presented above in which a leader gives
equally high concern for people and production. The leader can achieve high productivity through the
participation and coordination of followers and the utmost use of their talents and skills.
Advantages of Managerial Grid Leadership Styles
• Visual Representation: The model provides a visual representation through the grid, making it
easy to understand and communicate the various leadership styles. This visual aspect enhances its
accessibility for both practitioners and scholars.
• Emphasis on Balance: The Managerial Grid emphasizes the importance of achieving a balance
between concern for people and concern for production. This recognition of the need for a dual
focus aligns with the idea that effective leaders should address both task and relationship aspects.
• Flexibility: The model allows for flexibility in leadership styles. Leaders can adapt their behavior
pg. 38
based on situational needs, moving between different positions on the grid as circumstances
require.
• Diagnostic Tool: The Managerial Grid serves as a diagnostic tool for assessing an individual's or
a team's predominant leadership style. This can be valuable for leadership development and
training efforts.
• Practical Application: The model has practical applications in leadership training programs and
organizational development. It provides a framework for leaders to identify their predominant
style and work towards a more balanced approach.
• Cultural and Contextual Limitations: The model's applicability may be limited across different
cultures and contexts. Cultural variations in leadership expectations and behaviors may not align
with the model's Western-centric assumptions.
• Lack of Specificity: The model lacks specificity in terms of providing detailed guidance on
specific leadership behaviors. It offers broad categories but may not offer nuanced insights into
the intricacies of various leadership situations.
• Inadequate Consideration of Individual Differences: The Managerial Grid does not
sufficiently consider individual differences among leaders. Personal traits, skills, and experiences,
which can significantly impact leadership effectiveness, are not thoroughly explored.
• Static Nature: The model may give the impression of a static leadership style, whereas effective
leadership often requires adaptability to changing circumstances. The grid does not account for
the dynamic nature of leadership.
pg. 40
Leadership style
To help you determine your leadership style, Fiedler developed the Least Preferred Coworker (LPC)
scale. The scale asks you to describe the coworker you least prefer to work with.
The more positively you rate your least preferred coworker on a variety of different criteria, the more
relationship-oriented you are. The less favorably you rate them on the same criteria, the more task-
oriented you are.
Essentially:
• If you’re a high LPC leader, you’re a relationship-oriented leader.
• If you’re a low LPC leader, you’re a task-oriented leader.
Relationship-oriented leaders are great at building relationships, facilitating team synergy, and managing
interpersonal conflict. Task-oriented leaders tend to be skilled at organizing projects and teams to
accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively.
pg. 42
Least preferred coworker (LPC) scale
Negative Score Positive
Unpleasant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pleasant
Rejecting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Accepting
Tense 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Relaxed
Cold 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Warm
Boring 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Interesting
Backbiting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Loyal
Uncooperative 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cooperative
Hostile 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Supportive
Guarded 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Open
Insincere 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sincere
Unkind 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kind
Inconsiderate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Considerate
Untrustworthy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Trustworthy
Gloomy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cheerful
Quarrelsome 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Harmonious
Determining your LPC score
Now that you’ve filled out the test, add up every number you marked to calculate your LPC score.
Interpret your score as follows:
• If you scored 73 and above (a high LPC score), you are a relationship-oriented leader.
• If you scored 54 and below (a low LPC score), you are a task-oriented leader.
• If you scored between 55 and 72, you have the qualities of both a relationship-oriented and a task-
oriented leader. Deciding which style fits you better will take further exploration through other
leadership theories.
Step 2: Assess the situation
In order to assess situational favorableness to determine leadership effectiveness in a specific
environment, Fiedler poses three questions.
On a scale of one to 10, with 10 representing the highest value…
• Are leader-member relations good and trustworthy (10) or poor and untrustworthy (1)?
• Are the tasks at hand clear and structured (10) or confusing and unstructured (1)?
• Is your authority and influence over your team strong (10) or weak (1)?
Don’t solely rely on your own judgment of the situation. Ask group members to anonymously answer
pg. 43
these same questions and calculate the average of all answers to best understand the situation’s
favorableness. Seeking your team’s insight is a great way to empower them and improve team morale.
Step 3: Decide whether you’re the leader for the job
Now that you have a grasp on your leadership style and the favorableness of the situation, you can
determine whether you’re the right leader for the situation.
• If you’re a task-oriented leader, you’re the best fit to tackle highly favorable and highly
unfavorable situations. The extremes are where you’ll serve your team best.
• If you’re a relationship-oriented leader, your style is best suited to lead in situations with moderate
favorability.
The table below breaks down all of the different instances when each leadership style is the best fit.
Now for the trickier situations. If you’re a task-oriented leader in a moderately favorable situation or a
relationship-oriented leader in a highly favorable or unfavorable situation, your leadership style likely
isn’t the right fit for the situation. If this is the case, don’t panic—there are ways to make sure that your
team is still set up for success.
Step 4: Consider delegating to the right leader
According to Fiedler, leadership style is fixed and cannot be changed. This means that if a leader’s style
pg. 44
isn’t right for a situation, that leader may need to delegate leadership to the right person.
While it can be challenging to admit that your skillset isn’t right for a situation, there’s no shame in
delegating leadership to someone else. In fact, delegation is necessary for effective leadership. If you’re
a manager, consider promoting someone on your team with the opposite leadership style to supervise the
team wherever needed. Alternatively, if you’re overseeing a cross-functional project, see if one of the
cross-functional team members is a better fit for the situation.
Step 5: Try changing the situation
Another way to ensure that your team is set up for success if your leadership style doesn’t fit the situation
at hand is to try to change the situation. Here are a few ways to align situational favourableness with your
skillset:
• Improve leader-member relations: If it would help the situation to improve leader-member
relations, try focusing on your transparency with the team or entrusting team members with new
responsibilities. 60% of leaders worry about how their team perceives transparency. By improving
it wherever possible, leaders can feel confident that their team members will trust them, which in
turn improves leader-member relations.
• Level up task clarity: Are tasks unclear simply because that’s the nature of the job, or are there
processes that can be cleaned up a bit? Try outlining tasks to make them easier for your team to
accomplish.
• Increase your authority: If more power and influence could help you lead better, try formulating
an argument to present to upper management. You may come out of it with a promotion to a more
senior role.
In Hersey
and Blanchard’s approach, the key to successful leadership is matching the proper leadership style to
the corresponding maturity level of the employees. As a general rule, each of the four leadership styles
is appropriate for the corresponding employee maturity level:
• Telling style works best for leading employees at the M1 level (low competence, low
commitment).
• Selling style works best for leading employees at the M2 level (low competence, high
commitment).
• Participating style works best for leading employees at the M3 level (high competence, low
commitment/confidence).
• Delegating style works best for leading employees at the M4 level (high competence, high
commitment/confidence).
pg. 47
Identifying the employee maturity level becomes a very important part of the process, and the leader must
have the willingness and ability to use any of the four leadership styles as needed.
Advantages of Hersey and Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory
• Flexibility: This model enables leaders to modify their leadership approach in alignment with
their team members’ maturity levels. This adaptable nature assists in skillful guidance and
motivation, ultimately amplifying individual performance and growth.
• Individualized approach: By recognizing that each team member is unique and may require
different levels of direction and support, the model encourages a personalized leadership
approach. Leaders can tailor their interactions to meet the specific needs of their followers.
• Improved communication: The model promotes open communication between leaders and
followers. Leaders need to understand the maturity level of their team members, which fosters
dialogue.
Disadvantages of Hersey and Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory
• Complexity in assessment: Determining the maturity level of each team member can be
challenging. It requires continuous evaluation and understanding of their capabilities,
commitment, and experience, making the model somewhat subjective.
• Time-Consuming: Adapting leadership styles for each team member demands time and effort
from leaders. Constantly monitoring and adjusting leadership behaviors may be impractical in
time-sensitive situations.
• Overlooking other factors: The model focuses primarily on follower maturity, possibly missing
other essential elements that may influence team dynamics and performance, such as
organizational culture or external constraints.
pg. 48
2.4.2 Path Goal Theory
The path goal theory of leadership states that a leader’s behavior directly impacts the satisfaction,
motivation, and productivity of subordinates. This management theory was first developed in the 70s by
management theorists and psychologists and then finally refined by one of the original proponents, Robert
J. House in 1996.
According to the research, a leader’s attitude, behavior, and leadership style alongside environmental
factors influence the productivity and satisfaction of a team. They concluded that leaders need to adjust
dynamically depending on the needs of the team. They even created criteria for what leadership style
is most effective for different situations.
For example, an inexperienced team would need an assertive leader to take charge and assign tasks to
direct the team to its goals. But, if a team shares the same experience and expertise as their leader, a more
supportive and collaborative leadership style is more likely to work out.
This approach requires leaders to be highly adaptable since they need to tailor their leadership style
according to each individual’s needs. Leaders also need awareness of their employees’ skill sets and what
areas may require coaching for success.
Path Goal Theory scholars identified four management styles that can be used at any point in time and
even used in combination with each other. Having clearly defined styles will help leaders direct their
energies to specific aspects of their work.
Path-Goal model
Directive clarifying leader — This type of leader provides explicit instructions on specific tasks they
want their team members to accomplish. Teams with ambiguous or unstructured roles may benefit most
from this type of leadership
pg. 49
Achievement-oriented leader — Leaders who manage confident high-achievers may set high
expectations and goals while encouraging autonomy at work
Participative leader — These leaders solicit feedback from employees before making decisions —
typically effective in small teams or when employees have vested interest in outcomes
Supportive leader — Alongside productivity concerns, supportive leaders care about employees’ well-
being and mental health — taking into account individual employee preferences
pg. 50
2.5 Summary
The chapter introduces the study of leadership theories as a crucial field in organizational behavior and
management. Leadership, a complex phenomenon, is explored through various lenses, from trait-based
perspectives to contemporary theories emphasizing situational adaptability. The chapter aims to provide
a comprehensive overview of major leadership frameworks, highlighting the evolving nature of effective
leadership in modern organizations.
The Behavioural Leadership Theory, emphasizing observable actions and interactions of leaders. It
explores the Iowa Studies, conducted in the 1930s, revealing three leadership styles: authoritarian,
democratic, and laissez-faire. The Michigan Model, anchored by the Competing Values Framework, is
introduced, recognizing the paradoxes of leadership. The Ohio Model identifies two critical behaviors:
initiating structure and consideration. The Leadership Grid, developed by Blake and Mouton, assesses
leadership styles based on task-oriented and relationship-oriented behaviors.
Contingency theory, introduced by Fred Fiedler, asserts that there is no universal best leadership style; it
depends on specific situations. The Fiedler Contingency Model evaluates leadership styles based on the
Least Preferred Coworker scale and situational favourableness. Situational Theory, in contrast to Fiedler’s
model, allows leaders to adapt their approach based on team maturity, presenting four leadership styles.
The Hersey-Blanchard Model, also known as the Situational Leadership Model, categorizes followers
based on ability and willingness. Leadership styles (directing, coaching, supporting, delegating) adapt to
follower development levels. The Path-Goal Theory centers around employees' individual goals, with
leaders adapting styles (directive clarifying, achievement-oriented, participative, supportive) based on
employee needs.
In summary, the chapter covers diverse leadership theories, from trait-based and behavioural approaches
to contingency and situational theories, providing a holistic understanding of effective leadership in
various organizational contexts.
2.6 Questions
Section A
1. Define the term "Leadership" and explain why it is considered a multifaceted phenomenon within
organizational behavior and management.
2. Summarize the key characteristics and evolution of leadership theories mentioned in the syllabus,
from early trait-based perspectives to contemporary theories emphasizing situational adaptability.
3. Using examples from the syllabus, illustrate how different leadership theories, such as trait-based
perspectives and behavioral approaches, can be applied in real-world organizational scenarios.
pg. 51
4. Compare and contrast the Iowa Studies' three styles of leadership (Authoritarian, Democratic,
Laissez-faire) and analyze their implications on organizational culture and productivity.
5. Develop a hypothetical scenario where the Michigan Model of Leadership is applied to improve
leadership skills within an organization. Justify your choice of leadership strategies based on the
Competing Values Framework.
Section B
1. Explain the key elements of the Ohio Model as discussed in the syllabus, focusing on the two
dimensions of leadership behavior (Initiating Structure and Consideration).
2. Summarize the Leadership Grid model, highlighting the five general styles of leadership and
explaining the situational contexts in which each style might be most effective.
3. Create a situational scenario where the Contingency Approach to leadership is applied. Describe
how a leader might adjust their style based on various factors, such as interpersonal relationships
and feedback from employees.
Section C
1. Analyze the Fiedler Contingency Model and discuss the significance of the Least Preferred
Coworker (LPC) scale in determining leadership style. How does situational favorableness impact
the effectiveness of different leadership styles?
2. Design a case study illustrating the application of the Situational Leadership Model (Hersey &
Blanchard) within an organization. Identify the different developmental levels of followers and
propose suitable leadership styles for each level.
pg. 52
MODULE -3 CHARISMATIC & TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
STRUCTURE
3.1 Charismatic Leadership – Charisma, Charismatic Leadership
3.1.1 Charisma & Charismatic Leadership
3.1.2 Characteristics of a Charismatic Leader
3.1.3 Advantages & Disadvantages of Charismatic Leadership
3.1.4 Differentiation of Charismatic Leadership and Other Leadership Styles
3.1.5 Five Famous Charismatic Leaders from History
3.2 Transformational Leadership – Charismatic VS. Transformational Leader
3.2.1 Four “I’s” of transformational leadership
3.2.2 Transformational Leadership Advantages and Disadvantages
3.2.3 Five Famous Transformational Leaders from History
3.3 Transformational Leader Behaviours and Attributes
3.3.1 Behaviours of the Transformational Leaders
3.3.2 Attributes of a Transformational Leader
3.4 Transformational Versus Transactional Leadership
3.5 Stewardship & Servant Leadership – Nature, Framework
3.5.1 Steward Leadership
3.5.2 Nature of Steward Leadership
3.5.3 Framework of Steward Leadership
3.5.4 Servant leadership
3.5.5 Principles of Servant Leadership
3.5.6 Nature of Servant Leadership
3.5.7 Framework of Servant Leadership.
3.6 Terminal Questions
pg. 53
3.1.1 Charisma
Charisma is the magnetic and charming personal quality that draws people to someone. People who
have an outgoing, energetic, and likable personality that seems to naturally draw other people to
them are said to have charisma. Such people are often described with the adjective form of the word,
charismatic. A person with charisma is thought to be able to easily influence others. Charisma is
most often used in a positive way as a compliment, but it is sometimes used to imply that someone’s
appeal is based entirely on their outgoing personality, rather than the substance of their actions or
their character.
The word is also used in a religious context in a more specific way to refer to a spiritual gift or a
special ability for leadership. This sense of the word is sometimes seen as charism, and can be
pluralized as charismata.
➢ Charismatic leaders can motivate and inspire their teams toward a greater goal. They do this
by tapping into their team members’ emotions, creating a sense of trust, passion, and purpose
greater than themselves.
➢ Charismatic leadership differentiates from other leadership styles, like laissez -faire or
autocratic, by focusing more on the interpersonal relationship and how the leader interacts
with the people whom they lead.
➢ Many leaders are in some sense charismatic. People want to follow the leader as a person, in
one way or another, not just for the business goal they represent.
➢ However, charismatic leadership relies on multiple attributes of charisma to elicit desired
behaviors. Their charisma shapes growth in employees and the company and produces
specific outcomes.
pg. 54
3.1.2 Characteristics of a Charismatic Leader
1. Communication
A charismatic leader can clearly communicate job duties and goals to their team. They speak openly,
in a professional way, and convey their exact thoughts without speaking too little or too much.
They also allow open communication between everyone. They encourage their employees to speak
freely without fear of repercussions.
They also have good listening skills so that their employees feel heard.
2. Empathy
By allowing their employees to speak openly, a charismatic leader must also make good use
of empathy and compassion. They are open to their employees’ concerns and passions, willing to
understand their feelings.
Charismatic leaders have high emotional intelligence. Because of this skill, they become well-liked
among their employees as great listeners and confidants.
3. Confidence
The idea of charisma often brings along the idea of self-confidence. Strong confidence in the
business world has many aspects. Proper posture and the right body language, such as maintaining
eye contact, create an image of confidence.
A leader who takes on challenges with strong reassurance that they and their team can finish
it presents themselves as confident. When issues arise, or problems are found, a charismatic leader
can confidently take control. They delegate tasks and clearly communicate their wishes and the
outcome they seek.
pg. 55
The main takeaway for confidence is to look and act as if no matter what someone goes through,
everything will result in a good outcome.
4. Humility
A charismatic leader understands that they aren’t perfect. Arrogance is one of the worst traits of
leadership.
Instead, a leader should be willing to accept their mistakes and take on mistakes from their team as
their own. They understand they can improve and strive to do so for the sake of their team.
They are also aware they are a part of the team. If a small job needs to be completed and they have
time to tackle it, they accomplish the job themselves instead of asking someone to d o it for them.
The leadership value of humility shows their employees that their leader is human, yet their other
traits are what gave them command.
5. Self-awareness
Regardless of how amazing a leader can be, they must also be aware of themselves and how others
react to them. Many erratic leaders don’t understand the stress they put on their employees. But a
charismatic leader focuses on understanding themselves and their roles within their team.
6. Maturity
A charismatic leader is someone who was put in their position due to their maturity.
They can develop and drive a team toward the business’ goals due to their expertise and experience.
They can accomplish this with a wise mindset when approaching everything they do. They are the
leader who directs and commands.
7. Optimism
A leader should be optimistic, a “glass half full” type of person. If an issue does come around, they
reassure their employees that the issue can be corrected. They can build a positive attitude for
everyone around them by always looking on the brighter side.
pg. 56
8. Passion
A charismatic leader always shows a great deal of passion in everything they do. They show great
enthusiasm for their work, genuinely. This passion should also bleed into other employees through
clear communication and how they act.
Increased Productivity
Because charismatic leaders encourage motivation and engagement among their employees, their teams
often experience higher productivity rates. When employees believe in their leaders’ vision, they’re more
inclined to put their best foot forward and strive to get as much done as possible (while still producing
high-quality work, of course). Increased employee productivity typically leads to better overall results for
the team, their leader, and the company as a whole. By keeping everyone motivated and focused on a
singular goal, charismatic leaders can contribute to significant growth and long-term success.
Increased Innovation
Charismatic leaders are creative and unafraid of coming up with new, never-thought-of solutions. They’re
pg. 57
also willing to listen to innovative suggestions from team members. Both of these tenets of charismatic
leadership lead to increased innovation across the board. When employees feel safe to share new ideas
and try new things, they can help the company grow in ways it wouldn’t have otherwise.
Create a Learning-Centred Culture
The best charismatic leaders are humble and understand that they don’t know everything about their
employees or their field. That’s why they often prioritise additional training and learning opportunities –
and motivate their team members to do the same. Charismatic leadership can contribute to a learning-
centred company culture. Employees feel motivated to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals,
including completing management training courses, attending workshops, or using other modalities to
expand their knowledge and develop new skills.
Creates a Shared Identity
A charismatic leader understands the value of teamwork. They also know that to create a unified team,
they must develop a shared identity among their employees. When employees feel united by a specific
goal or mission, it’s incredible what they can achieve (especially when they have a charismatic and skilled
leader guiding and motivating them). When employees share a sense of identity, they also tend to work
together more effectively. Teamwork and collaboration improve and can lead to greater productivity and
better results in a shorter period of time.
pg. 59
Not Ideal for Rigid Structures
In some workplaces, charismatic leadership is highly effective and motivating. It doesn’t work in every
situation, though. For example, in industries that require a rigid structure and set of rules (such as
healthcare), a charismatic leader’s personality might not be the right fit. These leaders might feel that
their creativity is stifled or that they can’t communicate effectively without violating rules or norms. As
a result, they may struggle to keep their team members motivated.
3.1.4 Differentiation between Charismatic Leadership and Other Leadership Styles
There are some different traits between charismatic leadership and other leadership types.
Autocratic leadership vs. charismatic leadership
Autocratic leadership is a forceful leadership style. They command others to follow and expect their
commands to be followed to the letter. This can work well in some fields, such as high-level leadership
roles where a single person sends commands down the line.
Charismatic leadership focuses on appealing to employees instead of being a commanding presence.
Leaders are more focused on appealing, empathizing, and generating passion with confidence.
Democratic leadership vs. charismatic leadership
Democratic leadership follows the political nature of its terminology: it’s driven by rationality and goals.
Democratic leaders are focused on developing the group as a whole and act as the leader who the group
follows.
Charismatic leadership appeals more to the personal feelings of their team. They are more willing to
change and act toward what their employees feel rather than turning a blind eye to the overall picture.
Charismatic leaders also connect with their employees on an emotional level.
Laissez-faire leadership vs. charismatic leadership
Laissez-faire leadership has its place where the leader can allow the team to work autonomously without
much input. The team has more power in decision-making and their goals. But this can leave them to rely
on their own passion and drive for their work.
Though charismatic leaders acknowledge the employee’s thoughts on the work they are performing, they
take a more active role in influencing and developing group efforts.
3.1.5 Five Famous Charismatic Leaders from History
Charismatic leaders are often especially effective in times of uncertainty and existential threat. This
leadership style relies on being attuned to the emotions and needs of the people being led. Because of
this, examples of famous charismatic leaders tend to be people who lead through crises. Here are few
examples.
pg. 60
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. empowered his people with hope. He did this by conveying his feelings clearly in
a storytelling-like language that resonated deeply in the hearts of millions of his time, and millions after
his time. He never used force or violence but acted against it with peace and a focus on prosperity.
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, much like MLK, focused on inspiring others to do what was good. He encouraged truth
and nonviolence in the face of opposition. He also didn’t command others to follow him, only allowing
those who wanted to follow his actions to accompany him as he was so committed he would have
performed them alone.
Winston Churchill
The outspoken UK Prime Minister during WW2 was very polarizing because he spoke openly, unlike
most politicians at the time. This act of confidence and personal touch made Winston Churchill greatly
charismatic to a nation that was beaten, but not down, in a time of strife and trouble.
Margaret Thatcher
The first female UK Prime Minister was well-loved during her duty and after. Margaret Thatcher was
strong and confident for a woman of her time. She was also an open communicator and willing to bend
to outside points of view and show humility when needed.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was generous with her charity and offered courage in the face of opposition. She was
entirely selfless, fully committed to giving everything she had to help people in need. Others followed
her in her work despite difficult conditions and daily devastation.
pg. 62
➢ By definition, a transformational leader brings change to an organization, but in some cases, that
change can be too disruptive. Leaders must focus on the benefit to the organization, not change
for the sake of change.
➢ There is always a risk that some employees won't agree with the transformational leader's vision.
It doesn't mean they won't do their jobs, but it could be in a less-than-optimal way.
➢ A key part of being a transformational leader is keeping enthusiasm levels high and engaging with
employees. This is best accomplished with ongoing proactive communication and encouragement,
which can be time-consuming.
pg. 63
Elon Musk
A key transformational leadership trait is establishing a vision an organization can understand and
enthusiastically adopt. Elon Musk had a vision for electric vehicles that withstood early struggles and
near-bankruptcy. Today, Tesla is one of the most valued companies in the world. His understanding of
software also redefined what it means to be a successful car company. He is also one of those rare
individuals to disrupt multiple industries, as Musk's SpaceX has been a leader in helping commercialize
space travel.
Reed Hastings
The co-founder and co-CEO of Netflix helped change entertainment forever with its namesake service
that has established streaming in the industry. Originally, the company shipped DVDs (digital video disc)
for a monthly fee and later transitioned to streaming. Under Hastings's leadership, Netflix grew beyond
being a delivery service to become a major provider of original content. Going a step further, Netflix
developed complex algorithms about viewer consumption to make relevant content recommendations. A
key element of Hastings's leadership has been his belief that the company needed to have the right culture.
After meeting with employees to hear how they thought the company could best operate, he created an
internal culture guide. Later, it was posted publicly online and became a screening tool that helped
dissuade incompatible people from applying to work at Netflix.
3.3.1 Behaviours of the Transformational Leaders
Transformational leaders have a set of distinct characteristics that, in a best-case scenario, build on and
play off one another to create the most effective leadership approach. Those characteristics include the
following:
Embracing change
Transformational leaders embrace change and anticipate the effect it will have on an organization so they
are prepared to handle challenges.
Emotional Intelligence
A willingness to collaborate, empathy and emotional intelligence are key traits of transformational
leaders. In practice, they are self-motivated, resilient, and able to build trust and respect from those around
them.
Adaptability
Transformational leaders in information technology (IT) have the capacity to deal with fast-paced
industry change and deploy complex technologies. They also recognize the implications of how these
changes will affect other technologies, anticipating problems before they arise.
Inspirational team player
pg. 64
Transformational leaders focus on the well-being of employees and the company instead of taking a me-
first approach. When the team succeeds, they celebrate as a team and give credit where credit is due.
Encouraging participation and communication
Transformational leaders take in ideas from all around them -- without judgment or knee-jerk reactions.
They're able to communicate openly and honestly with employees, which, in turn, builds long-lasting
trust.
3.3.2 Attributes of a Transformational Leader
To embody the four “I’s” of transformational leadership, the leader have to develop certain
transformational leadership attributes. These are not innate attributes or characteristics or personality
traits that one is either born with or not.
The following are the seven attributes of a transformational leader.
Openness to New Thinking
Transformational leaders are constantly open to innovation wherever it may arise. They constantly look
for opportunities to do things differently and are always open to new ideas, no matter where those ideas
may present themselves.
Henry Ford famously developed the concept of his car assembly line while visiting a meat-packing plant.
Ford’s open mindset allowed him to see the stepwise disassembly of animal carcasses and envisioned the
process in reverse, changing construction procedures so each worker was responsible for assembling a
single part. Within six years, his company’s output increased from 32,000 to 735,000 cars per year.
Talent for Broadening Minds
Transformational leadership often involves shifting people’s views on how things should work. To do so,
it’s necessary to understand the rationale behind people’s current mind-set and how to shift their thinking.
The transformational leader needs to understand where people are coming from and convince them to
step outside of their comfort zone. This requires two separate skills: empathy and the ability to inspire
confidence.
Commitment to Active Listening
It’s not enough for transformational leaders to request or even inspire ideas. They also need to make their
colleagues and team members feel bold enough to share those ideas. Transformational leaders hear ideas
with an open mind and respond without judgment or finality. They commit to employing active listening
techniques so that their team members feel seen, understood and respected. With these methods in place,
they inspire others to share their thoughts without self-censoring.
pg. 65
Tolerance for Intelligent Risks
No transformation happens without some risk of failure. A transformational leader needs to be willing to
consider those risks and what they might mean for the future of the organization. If the benefits of an idea
outweigh the risks, the leader must be willing to pursue it further if it seems feasible. The leader also has
to recognize when the risk is too great, and a different approach is needed.
Willingness to Accept Responsibility
Any innovator who ventures into uncharted territory must be willing to own the results of doing so, good
or bad. No leader inspires confidence if they demand that others take the fall when an idea fails.
Transformational leaders must assume responsibility for each of their decisions, including green lighting
the ideas of others.
Trust in Team Members
People need autonomy to develop and shape new ideas. The transformational leader understands this and
trusts team members to define their own steps to success. Take Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix. Hastings
grants unlimited vacation time to Netflix employees as long as performance remains high and the team’s
well-being doesn’t suffer. Netflix’s unlimited vacation policy began in 2003. Just four years later, the
company had developed and launched its industry-disrupting streaming service.
Inspirational Motivation
For innovation to happen, it needs to be part of a team’s culture. The transformational leader needs to
expect creativity from everyone not just one or two “idea people.” The leader’s job is to model universal
creativity and innovation. There needs to be an established expectation that everyone including the leader
will think outside the box, recognizing thoughts and ideas, even when they don’t generate paradigm-
shifting results. Transformational leaders create transformational teams where everyone is an idea person.
pg. 66
3.4 TRANSACTIONAL VERSUS TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Differences Transactional Leadership Transformational Leadership
Maintains the status quo and focuses Inspires change, innovation, and personal
Focus
on tasks and performance growth
Relies on rewards and punishments Motivates through vision, values, and
Motivation
to motivate followers personal development
Emphasizes a transactional
Transactional Fosters a transformational relationship
exchange between leaders and
Exchange based on trust and mutual respect
followers
Communication Communication is directive and Communication is open, empowering,
Style task-oriented and visionary
Centralized decision-making by Decentralized decision-making,
Decision-Making
leaders involving and empowering followers
Leadership Reactive and responsive to problems Proactive, anticipatory, and strategic
Approach and crises approach to leadership
Creativity and Limited focus on creativity and Encourages creativity, innovation, and
Innovation innovation new ideas
Maintains stability and efficiency in Inspires and transforms individuals and
Leadership Impact
established systems organizations for long-term success
Employee Less emphasis on individual growth Focuses on personal and professional
Development and development growth of followers
Directive and transactional Inspirational and transformational
Leadership Style
leadership style leadership style
Humility must be the foundation of your leadership. If you speak out of superiority and power, your
subordinates will do what you say out of fear. Instead, your actions and words should be a credible
and genuine model to follow.
pg. 70
2. Showing why the work is essential awareness and purpose
In the mechanism of a clock, each part is crucial. The same goes for any team. Each employee is
essential to the team’s operation. Making sure this message reaches employees can increase their
motivation. It can also enhance their performance. One way to do this is by talking explicitly about
the downstream impact of their work. You can show them the impact both inside the company and
out. Talk less about numbers and metrics and more about the person or people who’ll use and build
on what they’ve done. Always link their specific achievements to wider organizational goals. This
fosters a deeper connection to the company’s mission. Most importantly, recognize the good work
they are doing. Many workers consider recognition of their achievements to be the most important
aspect of a role.
As a servant leader, you’re the engine that generates a sense of community and teamwork.
Increase collaboration by encouraging employee commitment to each other. You can also encourage
them to delegate responsibility. Finally, you can involve team members in decision-making
processes.
For example, ask them what they’d like to do on that new project or how they think they can add
value to their work. The key here is to be patient and take the time to do this. It can be so tempting
in today’s busy world to just get through the day without caring for your employees and their needs
but servant leaders are different.
Identifying and anticipating the needs of employees is a major aspect of the servant leader’s role.
For example, when assigning project duties to each team member, make sure you provide the
resources or the ability to procure them. Act from a service-first mind-set, and you’ll truly empower
them to accomplish their tasks.
pg. 71
5. Caring for the members of the team empathy and compassion
Similarly, the servant leader will cultivate a friendly environment. In this environment, employees
should feel comfortable. They shouldn’t feel threatened by expressing specific complaints or asking
questions.
In this context, it seems especially important to favour empathy and understanding. For example,
when your employee comes to you with a complaint about a co-worker, you don’t dismiss it because
you’re busy. You take the time to help them work through the conflict and ultimately resolve it.
You’re compassionate.
Promote a sufficient level of relationship with the employee that favors active and close listening.
A servant leader asks open-ended and follow-up questions as a matter of course, not just when
something’s wrong. They’re receptive to feedback they don’t just give it.
Servant leaders approach leadership from a strong moral standpoint. The servant leader operates
from the viewpoint that we all have a moral duty to one another. Servant leadership emphasizes
fairness and justice as means for achieving productive organizational citizenship behavior. The
servant leader sees leadership as an opportunity to serve at the ground lev el, not to lead from the
top. An individual like Mother Teresa-through her humble and ordinary nature, strong moral values,
and dedicated service to the poor inspired hundreds of followers to join her order and emulate her
example. The framework for servant leadership consists of the following basic guidelines.
pg. 72
Service over Self-Interest
The hallmark of servant leadership is the desire to help others, rather than the desire to attain power and
control over others. Doing what's right for other takes precedence over protecting one's position. Such
leaders make decisions to further the good of the group rather than their own interests.
Effective Listening
Servant leaders do not impose their will on the group; rather, they listen carefully to the problems others
are facing and then engage the group to find the best course of action. Servant leaders are more likely to
express confidence and commitment in others than other types of leaders.
Section A
1. Contrast the charismatic and transformational leaders with examples.
2. Dissect Charisma and Charismatic Leadership.
3. Simply your interpretation with providing the five Famous Charismatic Leaders from History.
4. Question the attributes of a Transformational Leader.
5. Examine the framework of Servant Leadership.
Section B
1. Differentiation of Charismatic Leadership and Other Leadership Styles
2. Compare the Transformational Leadership Versus Transactional Leadership
3. Test the Four “I’s” of transformational leadership
pg. 73
MODULE - 4: TEAM LEADERSHIP
Structure
4.1 Introduction
4.10 Summary
4.11 Questions
pg. 74
4.1 Introduction
The focus of this chapter is on how organisations can develop and use effective teams to achieve
organisational goals. We will explore the importance of incorporating teams into the organization's
structure and the different types of teams commonly found in organizations. Decision making in teams
and leadership skills for conducting effective team meetings is addressed. The chapter concludes with a
discussion of self-managed teams.
In the dynamic landscape of today's organizations, the concept of teams has evolved from a conventional
work structure to a strategic imperative. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the essence of
teams, their significance, and the transformative impact they wield within the fabric of modern
workplaces.
A team, in the organizational context, is more than just a group of individuals assigned to a common task.
It represents a dynamic synergy, a collective entity where members bring together diverse skills,
knowledge, and perspectives to collaboratively achieve shared objectives. Teams serve as the building
blocks of an organization's capacity for innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Teamwork is a way of life in the postmodern organization. Early discussions of the concept came from
post-World War II Japanese management approaches, and led to greater academic scrutiny in the human
relations movement before being embraced by major U.S. corporations. Through the years, many studies
have documented the importance of teams for achieving organizational success. The basic premise of
teamwork is that teams offer the best opportunity for better corporate performance in the form of increased
productivity and profits. In other words, the synergistic benefits of teamwork are such that members of a
team working cooperatively with one another can achieve more than working independently.
Since the early 1990s, various studies have reported greater numbers of U.S. corporations using teams to
accomplish organizational tasks. The rea sons for this trend are obvious. Many companies, large and
pg. 75
small, face serious challenges from a dynamic and complex global economy-challenges that have put in
question the effectiveness of traditional management methods. Some of these challenges include growing
demands from customers for better quality products and services at lower prices, globalization,
technological advances, and pressure from competitors and suppliers. More than ever be- fore, teams are
now an integral part of the workplace. One recent survey found that companies of all sizes rely on teams
to accomplish various business goals. According to some estimates, over 50 percent of all organizations
and 80 percent of organizations with more than 100 employees use some form of teams. Many
organizations have reengineered their work processes and procedures to accommodate teams. The
thinking behind the team approach is that teams form the basic unit of empowerment-large enough for
the collective strength and synergy of diverse talents and small enough for effective participation and
bonding.
Generally, research has been encouraging, showing that the use of teams has led to desirable performance
improvements for many organizations in a variety of industries, although teams have also not worked so
well in some cases. Some of the performance indicators include improved productivity, quality,
efficiency, employee satisfaction, and customer satisfaction. One study cites several examples of
organizational successes using teams:
• A large stamping plant created empowered maintenance teams that took it upon themselves to
improve the functionality of specific machines in the operation, for both preventive and rapid
response maintenance, resulting in a 28 percent reduction in machine downtime.
• A large warehousing operation reduced the procurement cycle time by a full day through the
creation of an operational improvement team that by the full backing of top management.
• By creating and empowering a new safety team, a mid-sized furniture factory reduced lost time
for on-the-job injuries by 30 percent.
pg. 76
OPENING CASE APPLICATION
Why Has Saturn's Success with Teamwork and Customer Satisfaction Not Resulted in Financial Success
So Far? Saturn's mission and values statements focus on teamwork, operational excellence, and
innovation. Teamwork at Saturn has succeeded in many ways. It has tremendous brand equity in that
many of its customers are loyal to the brand. Saturn's conquest rate is 70 percent, which is its ability to
attract new buyers to GM-both import intenders and non-GM domestic buyers. Its demographic is
terrific: A Saturn owner is most likely a highly educated, affluent, 43-year-old and likely to be a
professional. With strong brand loyalty among its customers and more than 2.2 million cars sold, Saturn
attributes its success to two basic reasons: putting customers first and working as a team. The problem
has been with its parent company, GM. Lack of investment meant the portfolio did not grow and the
product didn't evolve. Saturn survived with only one vehicle for 10 straight years. Saturn's 2004 sales
dropped 21.8 percent to 2,12,017 units-the lowest level since 1992-from 2003, according to Autodata
Corp. GM blamed the sharp drop on the discontinuation of the midsize L-series last summer. Ultimately,
the automaker committed last summer to dig deep into its corporate kitty and make one more big push to
turn Saturn into a healthy brand that delivers cars and SUVs to match its sales and service quality. In all,
GM plans to spend $3 billion to double Saturn's product line to six models by the end of 2006. Last
summer, GM's board of directors approved a $400 million to $500 million investment to upgrade a Spring
Hill, Tennessee assembly plant to build new models.
However, not all team efforts have resulted in success. The use of teams has resulted in such negative
outcomes as increased costs, stress, and lower group cohesion. It is for this reason that some in the field
are calling for a "look before you leap" mentality. It is recommended that an organization ask critical
questions of itself before embarking on creating teams within its structure, such as whether teams will
diffuse important organizational capabilities, how much infrastructure realignment will be required,
whether leaders will embrace the team concept and change their styles to suit, whether teams can carry
out tasks previously performed by support departments, and how difficult it will be to develop teams'
problem-solving capabilities. Also, teams have failed for lack of training. Effective team training has been
found to im- prove collective efficacy and team performance. These issues will be addressed throughout
this chapter. This section will define what a team is, distinguish between the concept of a team and a
group, and examine the advantages and disadvantages of using teams.
pg. 77
4.3 Groups versus Teams: What Is the Difference?
All teams are groups, but not all groups are teams. A manager can put together a group of people and
never build a team. A team is a unit of two or more people with complementary skills who are committed
to a common purpose and set of performance goals and to common expectations, for which they hold
themselves accountable. This definition contains three key points to remember First, teams are made up
of two or more people. Teams can be large, but most tend to be small, with fewer than 15 people. Second,
a team is not just a group of individuals brought together at random. A team is made up of individuals
with complementary skills. Third, people in a team share common goals for which they are all
accountable. The goal could be to build a home, design a network system, or launch a space shuttle. Given
this background, it would ap- pear that the terms "team" and "group" are not interchangeable, though
some authors have not distinguished between them. A group is simply a collection of people working
together. Extensive research in the workplace has confirmed that there do indeed exist some differences
between teams and groups. The team concept implies a sense of shared mission and collective
responsibility. Whereas groups focus on individual performance and goals, and reliance on individual
abilities, teams have a collective mentality that focuses on (1) sharing information, insights, and
perspectives; (2) making decisions that support each individual to do his or her own job better; and/or (3)
reinforcing each other's individual performance standards. Team members tend to have shared
responsibilities, whereas group members sometimes work slightly more independently with greater
motivation to achieve personal goals. The leadership style in a group tends to be very hierarchical, while
in a team it is more likely to be participative or empowerment-oriented. In a team, performance measures
create direct accountability for the team and incentives are team-based; in contrast, a group is
characterized by individual self-interest, with a mentality of "what's in it for me." Teams strive for equality
between members; in the best teams, there are no stars, and everyone suppresses individual ego for the
good of the whole. It is important to bear in mind that these distinctions probably reflect matters of degree.
One might consider teams to be highly specialized groups. In this chapter, the two terms will be used
interchangeably.
pg. 78
Aspect Groups Teams
Teamwork is an understanding and commitment to group goals on the part of all team members. The
increased acceptance and use of teams suggests that their usage offers many advantages. However, teams
also present organizations with many challenges, including the need for effective communication;
resolving personality conflicts and egos; establishing unifying goals, direction, and focus; establishing
appropriate rewards and incentives; clarity about team structure; effective leadership; and organizing the
team's work to ensure timely decisions. Failure to effectively handle these challenges often results in
dysfunctional teams, which means there are disadvantages that come with using teams in organizations.
This section discusses several of the advantages and disadvantages of teamwork.
Advantages of Teamwork
First, in a team situation it is possible to achieve synergy, whereby the team's total output exceeds the
sum of the various members' contributions. Synergy involves the creative cooperation of people working
pg. 79
together to achieve some- thing beyond the capacities of individuals working alone. Second, team
members often evaluate one another's thinking, so the team is likely to avoid major errors. This tendency
of mutual support and peer review of ideas helps teams make better decisions and can provide immunity
for an organization against disruptive surprises. Third, teams can and do contribute well to continuous
improvement and innovation. For example, a number of companies worldwide have found that self-
managed teams create a work environment that encourages people to become self-motivated. Besides
speeding up decision making and innovation, team members report greater satisfaction with their jobs.
Job satisfaction is important because it has, in turn, been associated with other positive organizational
outcomes. For example, employees who are satisfied with their jobs are less likely to quit, are absent less,
and are more likely to display organizational citizenship behavior. Finally, being a member of a team
makes it possible to satisfy more needs than if one worked alone; among these are the needs for affiliation,
security, self-esteem, and self-fulfilment. Team members develop trust for each other and come to see the
team as a social unit that fulfils other needs. Research does provide support for the proposition that
people's perceptions of their own interdependence with others (such as in a team) influence both their
beliefs about group members' trustworthiness and their attitude toward group members. Thus,
interpersonal trust is seen as an important social resource that can facilitate cooperation and enable
coordinated social interactions. This adds to team member commitment and motivation. There is ample
research support for the position that employees who are more committed are less likely to leave their
jobs, less likely to experience stress, and more likely to perform well and behave pro-socially.
Teamwork offers a multitude of advantages in various contexts, whether it's within an organization, in
academic settings, or in other collaborative environments. The advantages of teamwork are:
1. Diverse Perspectives and Skills:
• Advantage: Teams bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and
skills.
• Benefit: This diversity fosters a broader range of perspectives and expertise, leading to
more creative problem-solving and innovative solutions.
2. Enhanced Problem-Solving:
• Advantage: Teams encourage collective brainstorming and analysis.
• Benefit: Multiple minds working together can identify and solve problems more
efficiently, leveraging the combined knowledge and skills of team members.
3. Increased Efficiency:
pg. 80
• Advantage: Dividing tasks among team members allows for simultaneous progress.
• Benefit: This parallel processing often leads to faster and more efficient completion of
projects and tasks compared to individual efforts.
4. Improved Decision-Making:
• Advantage: Teams can make more informed decisions through group discussions.
• Benefit: Combining different viewpoints and expertise helps in evaluating various
options, reducing the risk of biased or incomplete decisions.
5. Enhanced Learning and Skill Development:
• Advantage: Team members can learn from each other's experiences and expertise.
• Benefit: Collaboration facilitates continuous learning, skill-sharing, and professional
development among team members.
6. Increased Motivation and Job Satisfaction:
• Advantage: Working collaboratively can foster a sense of shared responsibility and
accomplishment.
• Benefit: Team members often experience higher motivation and job satisfaction due to
shared successes and a supportive team environment.
7. Better Communication:
• Advantage: Regular team interactions improve communication skills.
• Benefit: Clear communication within teams helps in avoiding misunderstandings,
enhances coordination, and ensures everyone is on the same page.
8. Adaptability and Flexibility:
• Advantage: Teams are often more adaptable to changes in tasks or project requirements.
• Benefit: The flexibility of teams allows for a quick response to unexpected challenges and
promotes resilience in the face of uncertainties.
9. Increased Innovation:
• Advantage: Collaborative environments foster creativity.
• Benefit: Teams are more likely to generate innovative ideas and solutions as members
build on each other's thoughts and perspectives.
10. Social Support and Team Bonding:
• Advantage: Teams provide a social support system within the workplace.
• Benefit: Team members often develop strong bonds, creating a positive work environment
and contributing to overall employee well-being.
pg. 81
In summary, teamwork can lead to improved outcomes, higher efficiency, and a more positive work
environment. The advantages of teamwork extend beyond the completion of tasks and projects, positively
impacting the professional growth and job satisfaction of individuals involved.
Disadvantages of Teamwork
Teamwork has some potential disadvantages for both organizations and individuals. A common problem
may be that members face pressure to conform to group standards of performance and conduct. For
example, a team member may be ostracized for being much more productive than his or her coworkers.
Also, there are situations in which working in teams is perceived by some individuals to impinge on their
autonomy, thus creating resistance to the team effort. Shirking of individual responsibility, also known
as social loafing, is another problem frequently noted in groups. Social loafing is the conscious or
unconscious tendency by some team members to shirk responsibilities by withholding effort towards
group goals when they are not individually ac- countable for their work. Many students who have worked
on team projects (like group term papers) have encountered a social loafer. Social loafing is likely to
result when individual effort is not recognized and assessed. Individual performance appraisal helps to
discourage social loafing by providing each team member with feedback on the quality of his or her work;
however, it goes against the popular view that implementing team-based performance measures is
necessary for a strong team identity, and a strong team identity leads to greater coordination. In other
words, individual-level performance appraisal helps reduce social loafing, but it risks jeopardizing the
interaction and synergy that characterizes excellent team performance.
Another well-known disadvantage associated with highly cohesive groups or teams is groupthink.
Groupthink is when members of a cohesive group tend to agree on a decision not on the basis of its merit
but because they are test willing to risk rejection for questioning a majority viewpoint or presenting s
dissenting opinion. The group culture values getting along more than getting things done. The group often
becomes more concerned with striving for unanimity than with objectively appraising different courses
of action. Dissenting views are suppressed in favour of consensus. These problems may explain why
some studies have not found consistent support for the strong belief in the effectiveness of teams. Some
scholars have argued that our "romance of teams" stems from the psychological benefits members derive
rather than the assumed link to high performance. The problem of groupthink can be remedied by training
team members to become effective participants in the decision-making process-something that is taken
for granted when a team is formed.
pg. 82
Though cohesiveness is a desirable quality of teams, teams that are extremely cohesive can also become,
at their worst, a source of conflict with other teams. They may become so cohesive that they resemble
cliques with minimal outside interaction or influence, thus creating the potential for significant intergroup
conflicts. There is pressure for workers to stand by their team- mates and to achieve the team's goals. A
production team might devote significant energy to creating problems for the marketing team because the
latter requires constant changes in product designs that production finds impossible or difficult to meet.
From a leadership standpoint, effective team leaders find ways to maximize the advantages of teams and
to minimize the disadvantages of teams. Complete Self-Assessment 1 to evaluate teamwork from your
own work experience.
While teamwork offers numerous benefits, it also presents certain challenges and disadvantages that
individuals and organizations should be aware of. The disadvantages of teamwork are:
1. Conflict and Disagreements:
• Disadvantage: Differences in opinions, working styles, or personalities can lead to
conflicts within teams.
• Impact: Unresolved conflicts can disrupt team dynamics, decrease morale, and hinder
productivity.
2. Coordination Challenges:
• Disadvantage: Coordinating the efforts of multiple team members can be challenging,
especially in large or geographically dispersed teams.
• Impact: Poor coordination may result in delays, duplication of efforts, or inconsistencies
in work quality.
3. Free-Riding and Social Loafing:
• Disadvantage: Some team members may contribute less effort or rely on others to carry
the workload, a phenomenon known as free-riding or social loafing.
• Impact: Free-riding can lead to resentment among team members, unequal distribution of
work, and decreased overall team performance.
4. Groupthink:
• Disadvantage: Groupthink occurs when team members prioritize consensus and harmony
over critical thinking and dissent.
• Impact: Groupthink can stifle creativity, hinder innovation, and lead to poor decision-
making as alternative viewpoints are not adequately considered.
pg. 83
5. Unequal Participation:
• Disadvantage: Not all team members may contribute equally to team tasks and
discussions.
• Impact: Unequal participation can create feelings of frustration, resentment, and
dissatisfaction among team members, leading to a breakdown in collaboration.
6. Dependency on Group Consensus:
• Disadvantage: Relying too heavily on group consensus can delay decision-making and
impede progress.
• Impact: In situations where quick decisions are required, consensus-building processes
may be time-consuming and inefficient, affecting overall productivity.
7. Loss of Individual Autonomy:
• Disadvantage: Teamwork often requires individuals to compromise on their autonomy
and decision-making authority.
• Impact: Some team members may feel constrained or disempowered, leading to decreased
job satisfaction and motivation.
8. Difficulty in Managing Conflicting Priorities:
• Disadvantage: Team members may have conflicting priorities or competing agendas.
• Impact: Balancing individual and team goals can be challenging, potentially resulting in
inefficiencies and tensions within the team.
9. Group Polarization:
• Disadvantage: Group discussions and interactions can reinforce extreme opinions or
attitudes, leading to polarization.
• Impact: Group polarization can escalate conflicts, reduce openness to alternative
viewpoints, and hinder constructive dialogue within the team.
10. Over-reliance on Group Decision-Making:
• Disadvantage: Teams may rely too heavily on group decision-making processes,
overlooking the expertise and insights of individual members.
• Impact: Individual contributions may be undervalued, leading to missed opportunities for
innovation and problem-solving.
In conclusion, while teamwork offers many benefits, it is essential for teams and organizations to be
mindful of the potential disadvantages and actively work to address them. Effective communication,
conflict resolution strategies, and fostering a culture of accountability can help mitigate the challenges
pg. 84
associated with teamwork.
4.5 Characteristics of Effective Teams
Effective teams are those that meet their performance targets, such as quality, productivity, profitability,
worker satisfaction and commitment, and deadlines. Thus, team effectiveness is defined as having three
components: (1) task performance-the degree to which the team's output (product or service) meets the
needs and expectations of those who use it; (2) group process-the degree to which members interact or
relate in ways that allow the team to work increasingly well together over time; and (3) individual
satisfaction- the degree to which the group experience, on balance, is more satisfying than frustrating to
team members. This definition embodies a number of performances out-comes that others have used as a
basis for evaluating team effectiveness. These include innovation/adaptation, efficiency, quality, and
employee satisfaction. Innovative or adaptive teams are those with the capability to rapidly respond to
environmental needs and changes with creative solutions. Efficient teams enable the organization to attain
goals with fewer resources. Quality pertains to the team's ability to achieve superior results with fewer
resources, and exceed customer expectations. Satisfaction measures the team's ability to maintain
employee commitment to and enthusiasm for the team effort by meeting not just the team's goals but also
the personal needs of its members.
Teams vary in terms of their effectiveness. Some are effective and some are not. The obvious question
therefore becomes, what makes one team successful and another unsuccessful? Much of the literature
portrays team effectiveness as a function of both internal and external factors: task, group, and
organization design factors; environmental factors; internal and external processes; and group
psychosocial characteristics. Other scholars have focused on internal team processes: self-leadership,
interdependence, and team cohesion (also referred to as group potency). One model examined three
contextual factors- team design, organizational resources and rewards, and process assistance-as
determinants of team effectiveness. We believe organizational context, as well as internal team processes,
are contributing factors to determining team effectiveness. Understanding what makes teams effective is
of obvious importance to organizational leaders. In this section, the following six factors are described as
critical to team effectiveness: team norms, team leadership, team cohesiveness and interdependence, team
composition, team structure, and organizational support.
pg. 85
i. Team Norms
Team norms are an important characteristic of effective teams because norms guide team members'
behavior. Norms determine what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable. Team norms are acceptable
standards of behavior that are shared by team members. Norms influence how a team's members perceive
and interact with one another, approach decisions, and solve problems. An effective team must possess
an appropriate set of norms that govern all members' behavior. A team's norms will influence how
members perceive and interact with one another, approach decisions, and resolve problems such as
conflict. For example, a team norm might specify cooperative over independent behavior; to the outside
observer, this may be reflected by the level of importance members place on shared pursuits, objectives,
and mutual interests rather than personal interests.
At the early stages of a team's formation, norms begin to develop and often gain acceptance and
significance in every team member's work life. Team leaders can play a major role in helping to shape
norms that will help the team successfully realize its goals and also keep members satisfied and committed
to the team. There are many ways by which team norms get formed; the two most common are critical
events and symbols. Norms often emerge out of critical events in the team's history and way(s) in which
team members responded. This sets a precedent and becomes the standard for future behavior.
Although an important goal of a team-based organization is for group members to participate in leadership
(such as is the case with self-managed teams or semiautonomous work teams), leaders still play an
important role in influencing team performance. Effective team leaders encourage norms that positively
affect the team's goals and alter those that are negative. The need for leadership still exists, because in
every work group someone will ultimately be responsible for the outcome. Instead of the leader's job
disappearing, leaders will learn to lead in new ways. To be an effective team leader requires a shift in
mind-set and behavior for those who are accustomed to working in traditional organizations in which
managers make all the decisions. Team-based organizations need leaders who are knowledgeable in the
team process and are capable of developing a productive and effective team. If they are to have satisfied,
productive, and loyal team members, team leaders must recognize that not everyone knows how to be a
team player. Some team members will look to the team leader to put together a game plan and lead the
team to success. The team leader must model the behavior that he or she desires. In order to foster the
pg. 86
development of team spirit, leaders should observe with a keen eye what's going on in the team, make
contributions, when necessary, encourage a climate of dialogue, turn obstacles into opportunities, and see
themselves and others as part of the team's pool of knowledge, skills, and ideas. Therefore, an effective
team leader must be adaptive, knowing when to play different roles manager, facilitator, or coach.
Being an effective team leader means understanding people. This is also referred to as having social skills.
According to one study, there are four dimensions that determine whether an individual has high or
low social skills: influence, interpersonal facilitation, relational creativity, and team leadership.
Leaders with high social skills tend to have greater influencing abilities and interpersonal skills, and relate
well with team members. Without effective leadership, teams can get off course, go too far or not far
enough, lose sight of their mission, and become blocked by interpersonal conflict. Therefore, team leaders
have an important personal role to play in building effective teams. A leader's self-sacrificing behavior
and display of self-confidence does influence team members. Self-sacrificing leaders are those who go
above and beyond What's expected of them. They don't just issue orders; they get involved in making
things happen. The results of a laboratory experiment revealed that productivity levels, effectiveness
ratings, and perceived leader group-orientedness and charisma were positively affected by leader self-
sacrifice.
Effective teams typically have high levels of cohesion, interdependence, and autonomy. Team cohesion
is the extent to which members band together and remain committed to achieving team goals. Highly
cohesive teams are also described as having high group potency (the collective belief of a group that it
can be effective) and a strong self-efficacy (an internal belief held by an individual or group about how
well an impending situation can be handled). Studies investigating the relationship between team potency
and team effective- ness have found the two to be strongly correlated. Some of the factors that have been
found to increase team cohesion include shared purpose and goals, team reputation for success, inter-team
competition, and personal attraction to the team. Team cohesion is increased when:
The presence of all these factors has been shown to have strong correlations with team member
satisfaction and commitment. Teams experiencing cohesion are less likely to engage in affective
disagreement and more likely to remain together longer and to make more effective decisions.
The degree to which team members depend on each other for information, resources, and other inputs to
complete their tasks determines the level of interdependence or mutual influences within the team.45 In
effective teams, interdependence is built into the team's goal, reward, and job structure. Among teams,
three types of interdependence have been identified: pooled, sequential, and reciprocal
interdependence. Without describing each type in detail, it should be noted that the level of team member
interaction and dependency increases successively as one goes from pooled, to sequential, to reciprocal
interdependence.
Team composition focuses on the characteristics of team members. Effective teams must have the right
mix of complementary skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the team's job. Recognizing the
heterogeneous nature of today's workforce, organizational researchers have increasingly focused on teams
with multicultural, multifunctional, and multinational characteristics. According to one study, there are
three fundamental descriptors of team members- multifunctional knowledge, teamwork skills, and an
established good working relationship. To have a good working relationship requires high social skills.
According to one study, four dimensions determine an individual's level of social skills-influence,
interpersonal facilitation, relational creativity, and team leadership. These factors result in more effective
and efficient teams. Also, team diversity in skills, backgrounds, and perspectives increases creativity
because members bring diverse points of view to bear on problems. In general, there is a perception that
heterogeneous teams outperform homogeneous teams. Another benefit of diversity is the reduced
likelihood of groupthink because of greater opportunities for differing points of view. Groupthink, as
described earlier, is the tendency for members of cohesive teams to agree on a decision not on the basis
of its merit, but because they don't want to disagree with fellow teammates and risk rejection. However,
it should be noted that not all diverse teams perform well. Diversity, when not well managed, has
produced negative consequences. Teams that do not manage diversity well may suffer from intrateam
conflicts, lack of communication, an absence of collegiality, and ultimately lack of any team spirit.
pg. 88
v. Team Structure
Team structure refers to interrelations that determine the allocation of tasks, responsibilities, and
authority. In other words, team structure may explain the hierarchical dynamics within the team. Also,
interdependence and autonomy have been identified as key structural components that influence team
effectiveness. Teams that possess high autonomy, broad participation in team decisions, and variety in
tasks performed by individual members, are said to have motivational job design characteristics. Team
structure will also deter- mine the extent to which team members directly control the actions of each other
(horizontal incentive system) or report observations of their peers' efforts to management (vertical
incentive system). According to one study, team structures that allow for horizontal incentive systems
show higher levels of team identity and coordination than team structures that insist on vertical incentive
systems. When teams perceive their tasks as motivating, they are generally more effective.
Effective teams are those that have the strong support of the parent organization, that is, support from the
top of the organization. Assessing team effectiveness as it relates to the overall performance of the
organization is an important part of top management responsibility. When teams are not achieving
expected results, top management must ask itself some key questions. First, do the teams fully understand
their mission? Second, are teams getting enough support from top management in the form of training,
rewards, information, and material resources that they need? Third, have the appropriate leadership,
communication, and task structures been set up for team operations? And, finally, does the organizational
culture/environment support teamwork and have reward programs that motivate and reinforce team
behavior? These questions address the role of the organization in providing an infrastructure that supports
effective teamwork.
Effective teams are also characterized by higher levels of creativity. Team creativity is the creation of a
valuable, useful, and novel product, service, idea, procedure, or process carried out via discovery rather
than a predetermined step-by-step procedure, by individuals working together in a complex social system.
Today's economy has been rightly described as a knowledge economy because more companies are
pg. 89
gaining competitive advantages based on knowledge rather than physical or financial resources. The
companies that will survive and thrive will not be those that have the greatest financial resources, but
those that can make use of the creativity of their workforce. Besides the quality of the team itself, research
reveals that a number of enabling factors- team autonomy, performance measurement and incentive
systems, team bonuses, team continuity, a stable team composition, and sufficient resource endowment-
can assist in improving team knowledge management and thus creativity. These are the factors that
directly bear on the role that top leaders at the higher levels of the organization must play in designing
teams that exemplify creativity. For teams to maximize their creative potential, the organization must
rethink its work structures and leadership approaches. Creating an organizational structure and climate
that supports and encourages creativity provides the backdrop against which managerial practices can
take hold. With- out the appropriate organizational support, individual managerial attempts at
encouraging and fostering creativity will be ineffective and unsuccessful. The suggestions that follow are
ways by which an organization can make known its position on creativity throughout the organization.
• Provide adequate and quality resources- To achieve superior quality, teams need not just
adequate but also quality resources and state-of-the-art equipment. In allocating scarce resources,
top management has to make this a priority if it intends to stay innovative.
• Provide appropriate recognition and rewards- Organizations should be aware of the effect
various types of incentives or rewards can have on creativity; certain types of motivation are more
conducive to creativity than others. Research has shown that people tend to generate more creative
solutions when they are motivated by intrinsic (i.e., sense of accomplishment) as well as (or more
than) extrinsic (i.e., pay) rewards. To foster creativity, an organization and its leaders must find
the right balance of intrinsic-to-extrinsic rewards for team members because, despite the high
intrinsic motivation of creative teams, they also need extrinsic motivation.
• Provide flexibility and a minimum amount of structure- Many creative workers (whether in
teams or as individuals) regard the tall hierarchical structure as the death knell of creativity.
Structure for creative teams means rules and regulations, many layers of approval, strict dress
codes, fixed office hours, and rigid assignments. The organization must strive to provide greater
flexibility and a more decentralized, organic structure for creativity to take place. Some call this
organizational empowerment, which is the recognition that an untapped potential for creativity
exists in your employees and all you need to do is give them the opportunity to realize it.
pg. 90
Organizations can facilitate this process by creating a culture of empowerment that replaces
hierarchical thinking with self-managed teams.
• Provide supportive climate and culture- Employees need to be able to experiment and try out
their ideas. The organization can establish a culture in which team leaders can give members free
time for activities that are not officially sanctioned. One study of creativity found that in almost
every case the essence of the creative act came during the "unofficial" time period. One of the
best-known results of this practice is 3M's Post-it Notes, one of the five most popular 3M products
and one that resulted from an engineer's free-time experiments with another engineer's "failure"-
a not-very-sticky glue. 3M lets employees spend 15 percent of their time (also known as the 15
percent rule) on any projects of their own choosing, without management approval.
It should also be understood that a team leader's actions can support or kill creativity within the team
despite the organization's best intentions. Just because senior management establishes supportive policies
and practices does not mean that they will automatically be implemented at the team level. That's why it
is still important to emphasize team leader responsibilities, which must be carefully executed for creativity
to flourish. As mentioned earlier, a distinguishing characteristic of effective teams is the quality and
personality of the team leader. With respect to the role of the team leader in fostering creativity,
researchers have identified specific actions that can ensure that a creative team spirit is not squashed,
including: matching people with the right assignments; giving team members greater autonomy to do the
job; ensuring the availability of adequate time, money, and other resources for the team; paying careful
attention to the design of teams; emphasizing teamwork; and protecting against "creativity blockers,
While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights many the operational decisions and actions team leaders
have to make or take into account to fully realize their team's creative potential.
Structural metamorphosis seems to be the one constant in organizational life today. Traditional
organizational structures, known for their stable designs, are changing in favor of more fluid designs that
can respond to external environ- mental trends. These flexible designs include a flatter and more
horizontal structure, a focus on new ways to motivate employees, and the use of teams instead of
functional structures. A manufacturing enterprise might, for example, make use of a variety of teams,
including quality improvement teams, problem-solving teams, self-managed productive teams, cross-
pg. 91
functional teams, technology integration teams, virtual cross-functional teams, and safety teams. Over the
years, increasing competition stemming from the global and technological nature of markets has forced
organizations to adopt different team pes, going from functional teams to cross-functional teams and then
to self-managed teams. We will examine all three types in this section.
i. Functional Team
A functional team consists of a group of employees belonging to the same functional department, such as
marketing, R&D, production, human resources, or information systems, who have a common objective.
One hundred years ago, Frederick Taylor, called the "father of scientific management," espoused a
leadership approach whereby managers made themselves functional experts, divided work processes into
simple repetitive tasks, and treated workers as interchangeable parts. The functional team was mostly
made up of the functional manager and a small group of frontline employees within that department. Over
time, the drawbacks of this approach became evident, as workers suffered from boredom due to the
repetitive nature of their jobs. The structure of the functional team is generally more hierarchical with the
functional leader making all the decisions and expecting his or her followers to implement them. Another
drawback of the functional team, though unintended, is the tendency for team members to focus on their
local area of specialization and ignore or downplay the overall organizational mission. This can lead to a
lack of cooperation between functional groups, resulting in poor quality of decisions and overall
organization performance. In fact, rivalry rather than cooperation is what often happens between
functional groups that don't interact with each other. A study examining the quality of the relationship
between R&D and marketing in a functional organizational structure found that inter-functional rivalry
had the following consequences: it severely reduced R&D's use of information supplied by marketing
personnel, it lowered the perceived quality of information transferred between the two departments, and
it increased political pressures to ignore useful information provided by marketing.
Over the years, the use of functional structure has been in decline. Cross- functional teams became popular
in the late 1980s, when companies started to readjust their organizational structures to make them more
flexible and competitive.
Increasingly, organizations are encountering complex and very dynamic exterijnal environments
pg. 92
requiring flexible and less hierarchical structures. In today's flatter organizations, completing tasks often
requires cooperation across boundaries, such as functional areas or divisions. Individuals are continually
asked to cross functional boundaries and form teams with individuals of other functional disciplines for
the purpose of accomplishing a common objective. The multifunctional team is composed of various
members with different back grounds, knowledge, experience, and expertise, who can solve problems
and also help in decision making. Another name for this type of team is the cross-functional team. A
cross-functional team is made up of members from different functional departments of an organization
who are brought together to perform unique tasks to create new and nonroutine products or services. Team
member may also include representatives from outside organizations, such as suppliers, clients, and joint-
venture partners.
The premise behind the cross-functional team concept is that interaction, cooperation, coordination,
information sharing, and cross-fertilization of ideas among people from different functional areas
(production, marketing, R&D, etc.) produces better quality products/services with shorter develop mental
cycles. This is especially true for cross-functional teams charged with developing innovative
products/services or new technologies. Here, managing human interactions and coordinating the transfer
of knowledge and ideas among individuals and functional groups can be the most challenging aspect of
the job. Multifunctional teams are being formed across company lines. In one case, three companies
joined forces with the goal of synchronizing activities in software, electronics, and mechanical design, to
improve new product intro ductions and product development processes, better manage outsourcing and
lower manufacturing costs. Communication is the medium through which team members share the
information required for successful integration of ideas. Separate cross-functional teams may be formed
in an organization for different activities, projects, or customer groups. They may be either temporary or
permanent additions to the formal structure of the organization. An example of multifunctional team
application is found in concurrent engineering projects, in which team members from different
departments of a company simultaneously interact in every phase of project tasks to design products and
processes concurrently.
Cross-functional teams typically have a team leader selected by higher management. Team leaders play
a crucial role in cross-functional teams. They can affect a team's effort, cohesion, goal selection, and goal
attainment. The responsibilities of the cross-functional team leader include ensuring that everyone has the
same understanding of the team's objective, defining roles and deliverables up front with each team
member, negotiating with team members' managers to establish the amount of time and other resources
pg. 93
that members will give to the team, and dealing with all sorts of conflict. It is often difficult to develop
trust and cooperation across functional boundaries, because people frequently perceive individuals from
other groups or functional areas as potential adversaries with conflicting goals, beliefs, or styles of
interacting. There is the possibility that dysfunctional (or even toxic) group and individual dynamics can
impede the work of the team. Egos, political infighting, and factionalism on the part of individuals
suddenly thrown together to complete a task often keep from realizing their full potential and can
sometimes sabotage their objectives. Effective cross-functional team leaders understand this dynamic and
take proactive steps to develop a climate of trust and understanding within the team. They realize that
their role is to act more like coaches or facilitators than man- agers, share leadership responsibilities, be
willing to seek outside help, and empower followers.
The challenges of succeeding in a global economy have reached new levels, as companies strive to
develop and sustain competitive advantages with an intensity not seen before, and with the knowledge
that the business environment has become ever more turbulent. To meet these challenges and become
more competitive, U.S. companies of all types and sizes are acknowledging the need for changes in their
internal structures and culture. They will have to create alter- natives to hierarchies, change the way
decisions are made, redefine jobs, and change assumptions people have about how to structure
organizations. To meet these challenges, one structural approach that has been gaining ground is the self-
managed work team (SMT). Self-managed teams (SMTs) are relatively autonomous teams whose
members share or rotate leadership responsibilities and hold themselves mutually responsible for a set of
performance goals assigned by higher management. Self-managed teams are usually cross- functional in
membership makeup, and have wide latitude in decision areas such as managing themselves, planning
and scheduling work, and taking action on problems. Within the team, members set task goals for their
specific areas of responsibility that support the achievement of overall team goals. There is a general
perception that these characteristics make self-managed teams more adaptive and proactive in their
behavior than the traditional team.
The amount of delegated authority varies from one organization to an- other. For example, in some
organizations, SMTs may be given the primary responsibility for personnel decisions such as selecting
the team leader, hiring and firing team members, and determining compensation rates (within specified
limits). In other organizations, such decisions are reserved for higher manage pent. Self-managed teams
pg. 94
have been used most often for manufacturing work, but they are finding increasing application in the
service sector as well.
Companies are finding out that SMTs create a work environment that stimulates people to become self-
motivated. Besides speeding up decision making and innovation, SMTs inspire employees to connect
with the company's vision a very special way: they see the company as the means by which they can
affect key issues and develop their leadership skills.
Functional Team
Leader-Dominated
Types of Teams
Cross-Functional Team
Team-Dominated
Self-Managed Team
In summary, the functional team represents grouping individuals by common skills and activities within
the traditional hierarchical structure. Leader- ship is based on command and control. In cross-functional
teams, members have more freedom from the hierarchy, but the team typically is still leader centered and
leader-directed. The leader is most often assigned by the organization and is usually a supervisor or
manager from one of the departments represented on the team. Leaders do, however, have to give up
some of their control and power in order for the team to function effectively. In the highest stage of
evolution, team members work together without the direction of these agers, supervisors, or assigned team
leaders. Self-directed teams are member- rather than leader-centered and directed. The in a team context.
next section examines creativity.
pg. 95
4.7 Decision making in Teams
The uncertainty, ambiguity, and ever-changing circumstances of today's environment require that leaders
have the courage to make difficult decisions. In this section, we will examine decision making in the
context of the team, including the advantages and disadvantages of team decision making relative to
decisions made by an individual leader, as well as the determinants of effective team decisions and the
leader's role in team decisions.
When it comes to solving problems and making decisions, organizations have relied on both individuals
and teams. Teams are preferred over individuals when relevant information and expertise are scattered
among different people, when participation is needed to obtain necessary commitment, when
concentrating power in a single individual hurts the group, and when controversial decisions need to be
made. Using a group to make a decision under these types of circumstances has some definite advantages
and disadvantages.
i. Can improve decision quality by facilitating the pooling of relevant know- ledge, and stimulating
creative ideas.
ii. Can improve decision quality when the problems and issues involve the participation of different
functions, subunits, or parties.
iii. Allow responsibility to be diffused among several people, thereby facilitating support some types
of unpopular decisions (such as budget cut- backs and disciplinary actions).
iv. Help members understand the nature of the problem and the reasons for the final choice of a
solution; this understanding helps members implement the decision effectively.
v. Are likely to result in higher commitment by team members to implement decisions as compared
to decisions made alone by a manager.
i. Usually take longer than decisions made alone by a manager, and the cost in terms of participant
time is greater.
pg. 96
ii. Are not necessarily better than those made by a single manager who has all of the relevant
information and knowledge needed to make the decision, and in some cases team decisions will
be inferior.
iii. May be self-serving and contrary to the best interests of the organization, if team members have
objectives and/or priorities that are different from those of the leader.
iv. May end up being a poor compromise rather than an optimal solution, when team members cannot
agree among themselves about the team's objectives and priorities.
v. May symbolize a team's tendency to support each other in defensive avoidance of evidence
showing that existing policies are no longer valid or adequate.
With a group structure, managers spend a great deal of time in management meetings. Most meetings
include employees, and it is common for teams to have daily meetings. With the trend toward teams,
meetings are taking up an increasing amount of time. Therefore, the need for meeting management skills
is stronger than ever. The success of meetings depends on the leader's skill at managing the group process.
The most common complaints about meetings are that there are too many of them, they are too long, and
they are unproductive, Meeting leadership skills can lead to more productive meetings. Ford Motor
Company spent $500,000 to send 280 employees to a three-day training session with three one-day
sessions to follow. After the training, fewer employees complained of meetings being too long or
unproductive. Managers had gained the necessary meeting leadership skills and were putting this
knowledge into practice. Ford's investment had obviously paid off. In this section, we learn how to plan
and conduct a meeting and how to handle problem group members.
i. Planning Meetings
Leader and member preparations for a meeting have a direct effect on the meeting. Unprepared leaders
tend to conduct unproductive meetings. There are at least five areas in which planning is needed:
objectives, selecting participants and making assignments, the agenda, the time and place for the meeting,
and leadership. A written copy of the plan should be sent to members prior to the meeting.
pg. 97
ii. Objectives
Probably the single greatest mistake made by those who call meetings is that they often have no clear idea
and purpose for the meeting. Before calling a meeting, clearly define its purpose and set objectives to be
accomplished during the meeting. The only exceptions may be at regularly scheduled information-
dissemination or brainstorming meetings.
Before calling the meeting, decide who should attend the meeting. The more members who attend a
meeting, the less the chance that any work will get done. Does the full group/team need to attend? Should
some nongroup specialist be invited to provide input? On controversial issues, the leader may find it wiser
to meet with the key members before the meeting to discuss the issue. Participants should know in
advance what is expected of them at the meeting. If any preparation is expected (read material, do some
research, make a report, and so forth), they should have adequate advance notice.
iv. Agenda
Before calling the meeting, identify the activities that will take place during the meeting in order to
achieve the objective. The agenda tells the members what is expected and how the meeting will progress.
Having a set time limit for each agenda item helps keep the group on target; needless discussion and
getting off the subject is common at all meetings. However, you need to be flexible and allow more time
when really needed. Agenda items may also be submitted from members to include. If you get agenda
items that require action, they should have objectives.
Place agenda items in order of priority. That way, if the group does not have time to cover every item, the
least important items carry forward. In meetings in which the agenda items are not prioritized, the
tendency is for the leader to put all the so-called quick items first. When this happens, the group gets
bogged down and either rushes through the important items or puts them off until later.
To determine which day(s) and time(s) of the week are best for meetings, get members' input. Members
pg. 98
tend to be more alert early in the day. When members are close, it is better to have more frequent shorter
meetings focusing on one or just a few items. However, when members have to travel, fewer but longer
meetings are needed. Be sure to select an appropriate place for the meeting, and plan for the physical
comfort of the group. Be sure seating provides eye contact for small discussion groups, and plan enough
time so that the members do not have to rush. If reservations are needed for the meeting place, make them
far enough in advance to get a proper meeting room.
With advances in technology, telephone conferences are becoming quite common. Videoconferences are
also gaining popularity. These techniques have saved travel costs and time and have resulted in better and
quicker decisions. Companies using videoconferencing include Aetna, Arco, Boeing, Ford, IBM, TRW,
and Xerox. The personal computer has been said to be the most useful tool for running meetings since
Robert's Rules of Order. The personal computer can be turned into a large-screen "intelligent chalkboard"
that can dramatically change meeting results. Minutes (notes on what took place during the last meeting)
can be taken on the personal computer and a hard copy dis- tributed at the end of the meeting.
vi. Leadership
The leader should determine the appropriate leadership style for the meeting. Each agenda item may need
to be handled differently. For example, some items may simply call for disseminating information; others
require a discussion, vote, or a consensus; while other items require a simple, quick report from a member,
and so forth. An effective way to develop group members' ability is to rotate the role of the group
moderator/leader for each meeting.
At the first meeting, the group is in the orientation stage. The leader should use the high-task role.
However, the members should be given the opportunity to spend some time getting to know one another.
Introductions set the stage for subsequent interactions. A simple technique is to start with introductions,
then move on to the group's purpose and objectives, and members' job roles. Some- time during or
following this procedure, have a break that enables members to interact informally. If members find that
their social needs will not be met, dis- satisfaction may occur quickly.
pg. 99
ii. Leadership
The team leader needs to focus on group structure, process, and development. As stated, the leadership
style needs change with the group's level of development. The leader must be sure to provide the
appropriate task and/or maintenance behavior when it is needed."
As members work together, personality types tend to emerge. Certain personality types can cause the
group to be less efficient than possible. Some of the problem members you may have in your group are
the following: silent, talker, wanderer, bored, and arguer.
iv. Silent
To have a fully effective meeting, all group members should participate. If members are silent, the group
does not get the benefit of their input. It is the leader's responsibility to encourage the silent member to
participate without being obvious or overdoing it. One technique the leader can use is the rotation method,
in which all members take turns giving their input. This method is generally less threatening than directly
calling on people. However, the rotation method is not always appropriate. To build up the silent
member's confidence, call on them with questions they can easily answer. When you believe they have
convictions, ask them to express them. Watch their nonverbal communication as indicators of when to
call on them. If you are a silent type, try to participate more often. Know when to stand up for your views
and be assertive. Silent types generally do not make good leaders.
v. Talker
Talkers have something to say about everything. They like to dominate the discussion. However, if they
do dominate, the other members do not get to participate. The talker can cause intragroup problems, such
as low cohesiveness and conflicts. It is the leader's responsibility to slow talkers down, not to shut them
up. Do not let them dominate the group. The rotation technique is also effective with talkers. They have
to wait their turn. When not using a rotation effective, gently interrupt the talker and present your own
ideas or call on other members to present their ideas. Prefacing questions with statements like "let's give
pg. 100
those who have not answered yet a chance" can also slow the talker down If you tend to be a talker, try
to slow down. Give others a chance to talk and do things for themselves. Good leaders develop others'
abilities in these areas
vi. Wanderer
Wanderers distract the group from the agenda items, they tend to change the subject, and often like to
complain. The leader is responsible for keeping the group on track. If the wanderer wants to socialize, cut
it off. Be kind, thank the member for the contribution, then throw a question out to the group to get it
back on track. However, if the wanderer has a complaint that is legitimate and solvable, allow the group
to discuss it. Group structure issues should be addressed and resolved. However, if an issue is not
resolvable, get the group back on track. Griping without resolving anything tends to reduce morale and
commitment to task accomplishment. If the wanderer complains about unresolvable issues, make
statements like, "We may be underpaid, but we have no control over our pay. Complaining will not get
us a raise; let's get back to the issue at hand." If you tend to be a wanderer, try to be aware of your behavior
and stay on the subject at hand.
vii. Bored
Your group may have one or more members who are not interested in the job. The bored person may be
preoccupied with other issues and not pay attention or participate in the group meeting. The bored member
may also feel superior and wonder why the group is spending so much time on the obvious.
The leader is responsible for keeping members motivated. Assign the bored member a task like recording
ideas on the board and recording the minutes Call on bored members; bring them into the group. If you
allow them to sit back, things may get worse and others may decide not to participate either If you tend
to be bored, try to find ways to help motivate yourself. Work becoming more patient and in control of
behavior that can have negative effects on other members.
viii. Arguer
Like the talker, the arguer likes to be the centre of attention. This behavior can occur when you use the
devil's advocate approach, which is helpful in developing and selecting alternative courses of action.
pg. 101
However, arguers enjoy arguing for the sake of arguing, rather than helping the group. They turn things
into a for and selecting alternative courses of an approach, which is help enjoy ang win-lose situation,
and they cannot stand losing. way.
The leader should resolve conflict, but not in an argumentative way. Do not get into an argument with
arguers; that is exactly what they want to happen. If an argument starts, bring others into the discussion.
If it is personal, cut it off. Personal attacks only hurt the group. Keep the discussion moving on tar ger. If
you tend to be an arguer, strive to convey your views in an assertive argumentative exactly what they
want to debate format, not as an aggressive argument. Listen to others' views and be willing to change if
they have better ideas.
Whenever you work in a group, do not embarrass, intimidate, or argue with any members, no matter how
they provoke you. If you do, the result will make a martyr of them and a bully of you to the group. If you
have serious problem members who do not respond to the above techniques, confront them individually
outside of the group. Get them to agree to work in a cooperative way.
4.10 Summary
The chapter opens with an introduction, setting the stage for the exploration of team leadership and the
dynamics of self-managed teams within organizational settings. The chapter delves into the significance
of teams within organizations, highlighting their role in achieving common goals, fostering collaboration,
and improving overall organizational performance. A distinction is drawn between groups and teams,
elucidating the characteristics that differentiate them. This section likely discusses how effective teams
go beyond mere collections of individuals. The chapter explores the pros and cons of teamwork, providing
insights into the potential benefits such as enhanced creativity and productivity, as well as the challenges
and pitfalls that may arise. Key characteristics contributing to the effectiveness of a team are discussed.
This may include elements like clear communication, trust, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose.
Different types of teams are examined, shedding light on the variations in team structures and functions
within an organization. This could encompass project teams, cross-functional teams, and self-managed
teams. The chapter delves into the intricacies of decision-making within a team context. It may cover
collaborative decision-making processes, consensus-building, and the factors influencing effective team
pg. 102
decisions. Leadership skills crucial for facilitating successful team meetings are outlined. This section
may touch upon communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate and engage team members
during meetings. Practical guidance on conducting effective team meetings is provided. This could
include strategies for agenda-setting, time management, and fostering a positive and inclusive team
environment during meetings.
In summary, Chapter 4 comprehensively explores the use of teams in organizations, the nuances of
effective teamwork, various team types, decision-making processes, and leadership skills essential for
successful team meetings.
4.11 Questions
Section A (5 Marks)
Section B (9 Marks)
pg. 104
MODULE 5 - STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
STRUCTURE
5.1 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
5.1.1 Analyzing the Environment
5.2 STRATEGIC VISION
5.3 STARTEGIC MISSION STATEMENT
5.3.1 An effective mission statement should be
5.3.2 Benefits of a Strategic Leadership Mission Statement
5.4 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP VALUES
5.4.1 The Ethical Compass: Strategic Leadership Values
5.4.1 (a) Key Strategic Leadership Values
5.4.1 (b) Benefits of Strong Strategic Leadership Values
5.4.2 Living the Values:
5.5 STRATEGIC FORMULATION
5.6 STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION
5.6.1 Key Steps in Strategy Implementation
5.7 STRATEGY EVALUTAION
5.8 METHODS FOR STRATEGY EVALUATION
5.9 CRISIS LEADERSHIP
5.10 PRE-CRISIS PLANNING
5.10.1 Why Pre-crisis Planning is Crucial?
5.10.2 Key Steps in Pre-Crisis Planning
5.11 CRISIS LEADER
5.12 CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAMS
5.13 RISK ASSESMENT MODEL
5.14 CRISIS MANAGEMENT
5.15 LEADING CHANGE
5.16 NEED FOR CHANGE
5.17 CHANGE MANAGEMENT PROCESS
5.18 ROLE OF LEADER IN LEADING CHANGE IN AN ORGANISATION
pg. 105
5.1 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
The common usage of the term strategic is related to the concept of strategy—simply a plan of action for
accomplishing a goal. One finds both broad and narrow senses of the adjective strategic. Narrowly, the
term denotes operating directly against military or industrial installations of an enemy during the conduct
of war with the intent of destroying his military potential.1 Today, strategic is used more often in its
broader sense (e.g., strategic planning, decisions, bombing, and even leadership). Thus, we use it to relate
something’s primary importance or its quintessential aspect—for instance, the most advantageous,
complex, difficult, or potentially damaging challenge to a nation, organization, culture, people, place, or
object. When we recognize and use strategic in this broad sense, we append such meanings as the most
important long range planning, the most complex and profound decisions, and the most advantageous
effects from a bombing campaign—as well as leaders with the highest conceptual ability to make
decisions.
As mentioned earlier, strategy is a plan whose aim is to link ends, ways, and means. The difficult part
involves the thinking required to develop the plan based on uncertain, ambiguous, complex, or volatile
knowledge, information, and data. Strategic leadership entails making decisions across different cultures,
agencies, agendas, personalities, and desires. It requires the devising of plans that are feasible, desirable,
and acceptable to one’s organization and partners—whether joint, interagency, or multinational. Strategic
leadership demands the ability to make sound, reasoned decisions—specifically, consequential decisions
with grave implications. Since the aim of strategy is to link ends, ways, and means, the aim of strategic
leadership is to determine the ends, choose the best ways, and apply the most effective means. The
strategy is the plan; strategic leadership is the thinking and decision making required to develop and effect
the plan. Skills for leading at the strategic level are more complex than those for leading at the tactical
and operational levels, with skills blurring at the seams between those levels. In short, one may define
strategic leadership as the ability of an experienced, senior leader who has the wisdom and vision to create
and execute plans and make consequential decisions in the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous
strategic environment.
In the ever-evolving landscape of organizations, strategic leadership emerges as a crucial approach for
guiding them towards success. It's a multifaceted process that blends visionary thinking with analytical
prowess and decisive action. At its core lies the ability to craft a clear vision of the organization's desired
future, considering internal strengths and weaknesses, along with external opportunities and threats.
Through meticulous analysis, strategic leaders gain a deep understanding of their organization's position
within the market, allowing them to make informed decisions about resource allocation, strategic
partnerships, and operational changes necessary to achieve the envisioned future.
pg. 106
Effective communication plays a vital role in strategic leadership. Leaders must not only possess a clear
vision but also be adept at communicating it and the underlying strategy to all levels of the organization.
This fosters buy-in and alignment among stakeholders, creating a united front towards achieving the
common goal. However, the journey doesn't end with simply articulating the strategy. Strategic leaders
actively guide the implementation, closely monitoring progress and adapting to unforeseen
circumstances. This agility ensures the organization remains responsive to a dynamic environment and
can course-correct as needed.
The benefits of embracing strategic leadership are manifold. It provides a sense of clarity and direction,
eliminating ambiguity and keeping everyone focused on the shared vision. This, in turn, translates into a
competitive advantage, allowing the organization to anticipate and adapt to market shifts, staying ahead
of the curve. Furthermore, strategic leadership enhances overall performance by ensuring resources are
strategically allocated, leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness in achieving goals. Additionally,
it fosters a sense of purpose and direction among employees, boosting their motivation and engagement,
which are vital ingredients for organizational success.
To cultivate and refine one's skills in strategic leadership, continuous learning is paramount. Leaders must
remain updated on industry trends, best practices, and leadership development opportunities.
Additionally, self-awareness plays a crucial role. Reflecting on one's strengths and weaknesses as a leader
and actively seeking areas for improvement is crucial for growth. Engaging with experienced mentors
who can provide guidance and advice, coupled with seeking challenging roles and projects that offer
valuable experience in strategic thinking and decision-making, further hone the skills required for
effective strategic leadership. By embracing these core principles and continuously developing the
necessary skills, individuals can become transformative leaders, guiding their organizations towards a
bright and sustainable future.
2. Assess the Internal Environment: This involves evaluating the organization's strengths and
weaknesses, including its resources, capabilities, culture, and structure.
3. Identify Key Issues and Challenges: By analyzing the external and internal environments,
strategic leaders can identify key issues and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve the
organization's strategic goals.
4. Develop Strategies: Based on the analysis, strategic leaders can develop strategies to capitalize
on opportunities, mitigate threats, leverage strengths, and address weaknesses.
pg. 108
5. Implement and Monitor: Strategic leaders need to oversee the implementation of strategies and
monitor their effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to ensure the organization stays on
track to achieve its goals.
Overall, strategic leadership requires a deep understanding of the environment in which an organization
operates and the ability to make informed decisions to guide the organization toward its strategic
objectives.
5.2 STRATEGIC VISION
A strategic leadership vision serves as the guiding light for an organization, outlining its desired future
state and inspiring individuals to work towards its achievement. It's the foundation upon which strategic
planning and decision-making are built, providing a clear direction and fostering a sense of purpose.
Strategic leadership vision is a forward-looking perspective that outlines where an organization is headed
and how it plans to get there. It is a clear, compelling, and inspirational statement that defines the
organization's future state and aligns its efforts towards achieving specific goals and objectives. A
strategic leadership vision typically includes the following elements:
1. Purpose: It defines the organization's reason for existence beyond just making a profit. It clarifies
the impact the organization aims to have on its stakeholders and society at large.
2. Values: These are the fundamental beliefs that guide the organization's behavior and decision-
making. They form the foundation of the organizational culture and influence how employees
interact with each other and with external stakeholders.
3. Goals and Objectives: These are the specific outcomes that the organization aims to achieve.
They should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to provide
clarity and focus.
4. Strategies: These are the high-level plans and approaches that the organization will use to achieve
its goals and objectives. They outline how the organization will allocate its resources and respond
to opportunities and challenges in its environment.
5. Implementation Plan: This outlines the steps that the organization will take to execute its
strategies. It includes timelines, responsibilities, and key milestones to track progress.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: This involves regularly tracking progress towards the vision,
evaluating the effectiveness of strategies, and making adjustments as needed to stay on course.
pg. 109
• Provides Direction: It acts as a compass, guiding decision-making and resource allocation towards
a common goal.
• Promotes Alignment: It fosters a sense of unity and alignment among stakeholders, moving the
organization forward in a unified manner.
• Motivates and Engages: A compelling vision inspires employees and stakeholders, driving
motivation, commitment, and a sense of ownership towards achieving the desired future.
• Attracts Talent: A clearly articulated vision can attract and retain top talent who identify with the
organization's aspirations.
2. Activities: It briefly describes the primary activities or services the organization provides to fulfill
its purpose.
3. Values: It outlines the core values and beliefs that guide the organization's behavior and decision-
making.
5. Distinction: It may include a statement that differentiates the organization from others in the same
industry or sector.
6. Aspiration: It may include a statement about the organization's long-term goals or vision for the
future.
pg. 110
5.3.1 An effective mission statement should be:
• Clear and concise: Easy to understand for everyone within the organization and external
stakeholders.
• Distinctive: Highlight what makes the organization unique and sets it apart from competitors.
• Timeless: While adaptable to changing circumstances, it should remain relevant over the long
term.
• Motivates and Engages Employees: A clear mission statement fosters a sense of purpose and
meaning in employees' work, leading to increased motivation and engagement.
• Builds Trust and Credibility: Communicating a clear mission statement to stakeholders builds
trust and strengthens the organization's reputation.
• Attracts and Retains Talent: A compelling mission statement can attract individuals who
identify with the organization's purpose and values, leading to a more engaged and talented
workforce.
2. Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and ensuring that commitments are met.
3. Respect: Valuing the opinions, perspectives, and contributions of others, and treating them with
dignity.
pg. 111
4. Innovation: Encouraging creativity and embracing change to drive continuous improvement and
growth.
5. Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of performance and quality in all aspects of the
organization's operations.
6. Collaboration: Working effectively with others to achieve common goals and solve complex
problems.
7. Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of customers to deliver value and build
strong relationships.
8. Sustainability: Considering the long-term impact of decisions on the environment, society, and
the organization's stakeholders.
9. Empowerment: Encouraging and enabling others to take initiative and make decisions to drive
success.
10. Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to changes in the internal and external environment
to stay competitive and relevant.
• Vision: Having a clear and inspiring vision for the future that guides strategic direction.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions, both individually and
collectively.
• Collaboration: Working together effectively to achieve shared goals, fostering teamwork and
inclusivity.
• Innovation: Embracing creativity and encouraging new ideas to adapt to changing circumstances
and stay ahead of the curve.
pg. 112
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction, delivering value and exceeding
expectations.
• Sustainability: Operating with a long-term perspective, considering the environmental and social
impact of decisions.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a culture that embraces different perspectives, backgrounds,
and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and maximizing potential.
• Builds Trust: Demonstrates commitment to ethical behavior and fosters trust among
stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Attracts and Retains Talent: Creates a positive work environment that attracts individuals who
share the organization's values and are motivated by its purpose.
• Enhances Reputation: A strong value system contributes to a positive reputation and strengthens
brand image.
• Sustainable Success: Values shape the organization's culture and guide long-term decision-
making, leading to sustainable success in a rapidly changing world.
• Rewarding Value-Driven Actions: Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate the
organization's values in their daily work.
• Integrating Values into Policies and Practices: Embed the values into corporate policies,
procedures, and decision-making frameworks.
• Open Communication and Continuous Learning: Foster open communication about values
and create opportunities for employees to learn and grow in alignment with them.
pg. 113
By prioritizing and actively integrating strong strategic leadership values, organizations can build a
foundation for ethical decision-making, attract and retain top talent, and cultivate a positive and
sustainable work environment, ultimately paving the way for long-term success.
5.5 STRATEGIC FORMULATION
Strategic Formulation can also be referred to as Strategic Planning. A strategy is a broad plan developed
by an organization to take it from where it is to where it wants to be. A well-designed strategy will help
an organization reach its maximum level of effectiveness in reaching its goals while constantly allowing
it to monitor its environment to adapt the strategy as necessary. Strategy formulation is the process of
developing the strategy. Strategy formulation refers to the process of choosing the most appropriate
course of action for the realization of organizational goals and objectives and thereby achieving the
organizational vision. Strategic Formulation is considered to be the first stage of Strategic Management
Process.
2. Develop an action plan: Outline the specific actions, resources, timelines, and responsibilities
needed to achieve each goal.
3. Align resources: Ensure the organization has the necessary resources, including personnel,
budget, and technology, to implement the plan effectively.
pg. 115
4. Communicate the strategy: Clearly communicate the strategy and its rationale to all levels of
the organization, fostering understanding and buy-in.
5. Monitor and adapt: Regularly monitor progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and
be prepared to adapt the plan as needed based on internal and external changes.
• Identifying Deviations: Compare actual results against expected outcomes. Identify any
significant deviations and analyze the root causes of those deviations.
• Taking Corrective Action: Based on the analysis, take necessary corrective action to bring
performance back in line with the goals. This might involve adjusting tactics, resources, or even
the overall strategy.
• Continuous Feedback: Strategy evaluation should be an ongoing process. This allows for regular
feedback, course correction, and continuous improvement of the strategic plan.
pg. 116
• Focus: Assessing an organization's financial health, profitability, financial stability, and whether
financial resources are being effectively utilized.
• Advantages:
• Considerations:
o Financial data might not fully reflect the impact of strategic decisions.
2. Benchmarking
• Tools: Industry data, performance reports from competitors, best practice analysis.
• Focus: Comparing the organization's performance metrics against those of competitors or industry
leaders.
• Advantages:
• Considerations:
3. Customer Feedback
• Tools: Surveys, focus groups, customer reviews, social media listening, Net Promoter Score
(NPS).
• Focus: Gathering insights into customer satisfaction and identifying areas where the organization's
products, services, or customer experience fall short of expectations.
• Advantages:
pg. 117
o Provides direct insights into the needs and wants of customers.
• Considerations:
4. Internal Audits
• Tools: Reviews of processes, procedures, resource allocation, policies.
• Focus: Assessing whether the organization's internal operations are aligned with strategic
objectives and whether they're efficient and effective.
• Advantages:
• Considerations:
5. Balanced Scorecard
• Tools: A framework with four perspectives: Financial, Customer, Internal Processes, Learning &
Growth. Each perspective has its own KPIs.
• Focus: Provides a holistic view of an organization's performance, looking beyond just financial
metrics to include customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and employee development.
• Advantages:
• Considerations:
pg. 118
o Requires careful selection of KPIs relevant to the organization.
pg. 119
(3) coordinated and controlled across levels and units of the organization. Building from existing models,
a more recent comprehensive model of the crisis management process asserts that readiness to respond
appropriately at each stage of the crisis management process is a function of
(1) knowing and accepting one's assigned role in the crisis management plan,
(2) sufficient training specific to the assigned role to enable one to perform his or her responsibilities
competently, and
(3) complementary and integrated roles and responsibilities at all level of organisations.
• Quick and Effective Response: A well-defined plan enables a faster and more effective response
to a crisis, allowing the organization to recover more quickly and efficiently.
• Enhances Decision-Making: The planning process itself stimulates critical thinking and scenario
planning, leading to more informed decisions when a crisis unfolds.
• Boosts Employee Confidence: Knowing that a plan is in place fosters a sense of security and
confidence among employees during a crisis, enabling them to remain focused and productive.
2. Develop a Crisis Management Team: Establish a dedicated team composed of individuals with
diverse expertise and clear roles and responsibilities during a crisis situation.
pg. 120
3. Create a Crisis Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan that outlines how the
organization will communicate with internal and external stakeholders during a crisis, ensuring
clear, consistent, and timely information dissemination.
4. Develop Response Protocols: Define specific protocols for responding to different types of
crises. This might involve evacuation plans, data backup procedures, or crisis communication
protocols.
5. Test and Refine the Plan: Regularly test the crisis management plan through simulations and
exercises to identify areas for improvement and ensure team members are familiar with their roles
and responsibilities.
6. Maintain Awareness: Stay informed about emerging threats and trends in crisis management
best practices.
The ability of crisis leaders to grasp the impact of events in the early stages of development has helped
some organizations avert a crisis and even helped others turn would-be threats into opportunities. The
pg. 121
crisis leader who monitors the radar for the organization must have the power, resources, position, and
stature to influence events if a crisis is pending.
For example, an organization must empower the crisis leader to be able to make a critical decision such
as shutting down a product line if a defect is suspected, or halting operations on an assembly line if
multiple injuries or malfunctions have occurred.
5.12 CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAMS
Crisis management teams are integral to strategic management, serving as the frontline defense against
unexpected events or crises that could disrupt an organization's operations and damage its reputation.
These teams are tasked with the critical role of identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities that could
lead to crises, assessing their potential impact, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks. One of
the key functions of crisis management teams is to establish a comprehensive crisis management plan.
This plan outlines the roles and responsibilities of team members, as well as the communication strategies
to be employed during a crisis. It also includes protocols for activating the plan and coordinating the
organization's response.
During a crisis, the crisis management team is responsible for implementing the plan, which may include
establishing a crisis command center, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring that the
organization's response is swift, effective, and coordinated. This often involves making difficult decisions
under pressure, such as allocating resources, managing logistics, and communicating with the media and
other stakeholders.
After the crisis has been resolved, the crisis management team conducts a thorough review of the
organization's response. This includes identifying what went well and what could have been improved,
as well as developing strategies to prevent similar crises in the future. By learning from past experiences
and continuously improving their crisis management strategies and processes, organizations can better
protect their reputation, minimize financial losses, and maintain the trust of their stakeholders during
challenging times.
pg. 122
5.13 RISK ASSESMENT MODEL
pg. 123
(i.e., nothing to worry about) may be employed. This information is then used as the basis for launching
the third step, which is risk reduction.
During the risk reduction step, the crisis leader shares the risk chart created during risk assessment and
ranking with team members or larger audiences, and they begin debating and formulating strategies for
countering each crisis or threat. SWOT analysis comes into play as a tool in determining what resources
and capabilities are available or needed to better manage each crisis. For instance, say the organization is
a chemical plant. An item on the risk chart may indicate the risk of a "poisonous gas leak" as a likely
event. A SWOT analysis of this particular risk may progress as follows: the crisis team would identify
capabilities the organization has if such an incident should occur (such as poison gas scientists and
materials), weaknesses (such as the present lack of a poisonous gas leak response plan), opportunities
(such as community sup- port for the plant because of its economic impact on area), and threats (such as
environmentalists who are likely to protest and demand that the plant be closed). Based on this analysis,
the crisis team may recommend as a risk re- duction plan that the organization begin safety awareness
programs and con- duct joint meetings with local emergency response teams.
The fourth step in the risk assessment process is crisis prevention. Here, tests and simulations are
conducted to test employees under pressure. Again, SWOT analysis information is used to fine-tune this
step. This step helps to sensitize the organization to the need for crisis planning. After the tests and
simulations and the resulting discussions, evaluations, and feedback from managers at all levels of the
organization, the crisis team can then rest easy with the assurance that the organization is better ready to
handle a crisis. The fifth step of risk assessment is crisis management. A team is assembled and ready to
respond in the event of a real crisis.
Ultimately, the best gauge to determine an organization's readiness to respond to a crisis is how it rates
according to the following five factors:
• Quality of strategic crisis plan
• Awareness and access to crisis management information Readiness for a quick response
• Effective communication plan in place
• Effective crisis leadership
It is a fact of life that in spite of all the crisis prevention planning that organizations undergo, sooner or
later, a crisis will emerge and an organization will have to deal with it. The next section focuses on crisis
management.
pg. 124
5.14 CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Crisis management is a pivotal aspect of strategic management, deeply embedded in the overarching
planning and decision-making processes of an organization. It encompasses the strategic planning,
coordination, and execution of strategies aimed at effectively responding to and recovering from
unexpected events or crises that could jeopardize an organization's reputation, operations, or stakeholders.
Within the realm of strategic management, crisis management is not merely a reactive measure but an
integral part of proactive planning, ensuring that the organization is well-prepared to handle potential
crises and minimize their impact.
The effectiveness of crisis management in strategic management hinges on several key elements. Firstly,
a thorough risk assessment is crucial for identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities that could culminate
in crises, ranging from natural disasters to cybersecurity breaches or reputational issues. Subsequently,
organizations develop a comprehensive crisis management plan, delineating roles, responsibilities,
communication strategies, and protocols for responding to various types of crises. Regular preparedness
activities, such as training and drills, are conducted to ensure that employees are well-versed in crisis
response procedures and that the crisis management plan remains up to date.
When a crisis does occur, the organization must swiftly activate its crisis management plan. This involves
coordinating the response effort, communicating with stakeholders, managing resources, and making
critical decisions to mitigate the crisis's impact. Post-crisis, organizations engage in recovery efforts,
developing strategies to restore normal operations, repair any damage to the organization's reputation,
support affected stakeholders, and implement changes to prevent similar crises in the future.
A key aspect of effective crisis management within strategic management is the emphasis on learning and
improvement. Organizations conduct thorough post-crisis reviews to identify lessons learned and areas
for enhancement in their crisis management strategies and processes. By integrating crisis management
into strategic management, organizations can better shield themselves from potential crises, mitigate their
impact when they do occur, and emerge from crises stronger and more resilient, ultimately safeguarding
their long-term success.
5.15 LEADING CHANGE
Leading change management is a way to make change and transition to new approaches. Change
management is a framework or process that focuses on on managing people as they experience change.
It’s about ensuring that people have the right resources, knowledge, and support so that they can be
successful. Put simply, it’s about managing change. Change impacts employees of every level, from large
organizations with organizational coaching to independently owned businesses with few staff members.
But this framework isn’t possible without people leading it.
pg. 125
Poor or inexperienced leaders won’t recognize and uphold the needs of their team or inspire them to
embrace shifting ideals. Change management doesn’t work unless leaders do. That’s why learning how
to be an effective leader is an essential skill.
This process helps businesses cope with any challenges they encounter during growth. Plus, it ensures
that any change accommodates core values, technology, and other economic factors.
Let’s say your workplace is transitioning to working completely virtually. After many years of in-person
work, you’re bound to have some bumps in the road. Change management isn’t focused entirely on
equipping employees to work from home.
It’s focused on how the employees themselves will adapt to the change their workplace is experiencing,
a home office, and life without a commute. This also involves considering how to mitigate potential
distractions, what software or tools everyone will need to succeed, and how to maintain company culture
remotely. This type of management helps team members better adapt to change. And change can happen
any day of the week. It can involve significant alterations to the projects people work on or a change in
the roles and responsibilities that team members have.
5.16 NEED FOR CHANGE
1. Managing Resistance: Change management involves identifying potential sources of resistance
to change, such as fear of job loss, uncertainty about the future, or concerns about increased
workload. By understanding these concerns, organizations can develop strategies to address them,
such as providing clear explanations of the reasons for change, offering support and training to
help employees adapt, and involving employees in the change process to make them feel more
empowered and engaged.
pg. 126
stakeholders. By keeping stakeholders informed and involved throughout the change process,
organizations can reduce uncertainty and resistance and build trust and support for the changes.
5. Monitoring and Evaluating Progress: Change management includes monitoring the progress of
strategic initiatives and evaluating their impact on the organization. This involves tracking key
performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of the changes, identifying any issues or
challenges that arise, and making adjustments as needed to ensure the success of the changes. By
regularly monitoring and evaluating progress, organizations can identify areas for improvement,
learn from their experiences, and make informed decisions about future strategic initiatives.
6. Maintaining Focus and Momentum: Change management helps organizations maintain focus
and momentum during the implementation of strategic initiatives. It provides a structured
approach to managing change, ensuring that the organization stays on track and remains
committed to achieving its goals, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks.
7. Managing Complexity: Strategic initiatives often involve multiple interconnected changes across
different parts of the organization. Change management helps organizations manage this
complexity by breaking down the change process into manageable steps, identifying dependencies
and interrelationships between changes, and ensuring that all changes are coordinated and aligned
with the overall strategic objectives.
pg. 127
collaboration, and support for strategic initiatives, ultimately increasing the likelihood of their
success.
10. Sustaining Long-Term Change: Change management focuses not only on implementing change
but also on sustaining it over the long term. It involves developing strategies to embed new
behaviors, processes, and ways of working into the organizational culture, ensuring that the
changes become the new norm and are not just temporary fixes.
As Smith (1998) has stated, the change management team must be willing to "listen and monitor
constantly ... and ensure adjustments are made with the goal always in mind" throughout all
the four stages of the change process.
Kurt Lewin's Model Kurt Lewin had a profound influence on the theory and practice of change in
organisation. Most theories of organisational change originated from the landmark work of this social
psychologist. Lewin (1947) instituted a three-stage model of change which explained how to initiate,
pg. 128
manage and stabilize the change process. The three stages of change, according to this'model are,
unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. Let us fIrst go through the various assumptions underlying Lewin's
model of change (USDA). These are:
1) The change process involves learning something new, as well as discontinuing current attitudes,
behaviours, or organisational practices.
2) Change will not occur unless there is motivation to change. This is often the most difficult part of the
change process.
3) Individuals are the centre of all organisational changes. Any change, whether in terms of structure,
group process, reward systems, or job design, requires individuals to change.
4)' Resistance to change is found even when the goals of change are highly desirable.
5) Effective change requires reinforcing new behaviours, attitudes and organisational practices. Let us
now consider the three stages of change as suggested by Lewin:
Phase l-Unfreezing
This stage involves preparing the organisation for change. The main focus is on creating the motivation
to change. Change is more likely to be successful when those involved are prepared for what is to happen.
Therefore, individuals are encouraged to replace old behaviours and attitudes with those desired by the
management. In unfreezing stage organisation begins to encourage the employees to address the change,
inform employees of the process, and thus dispel false information. This stage thus helps in creating
conditions for the change to be implemented.
Phase 2-Changing
This stage involves planning and implementing the change. Once a change has been initiated it is
important not to lose momentum. As change involves learning, this stage entails providing employees
with new information, new behavioural models, or new way of looking at things. The main purpose is to
help employees learn new concepts or points of view. Role models, mentors, experts, training etc. are
various mechanisms employed to facilitate the Change. Gradually, the employee behaviour begins to
change, causing a change in organisational attitudes, corporate values and management practices. Thus,
the changing stage requires organizing and mobilizing the resources required to bring about the change.
Phase 3 - Refreezing
This stage involves embedding the new ways of working into the organisation. The main focus is on
consolidating the organisation in its new mode of operation. It can be all too easy for people to try to
return to the "old way of doing things", especially if the change is a bit difficult or uncomfortable to
achieve. Change is stabilised during refreezing by helping the employees integrate the changed behaviour
or attitude into their normal way of doing things. For accomplishing this, first the employees are given a
pg. 129
chance to exhibit the new behaviours or attitudes. Once exhibited, positive reinforcement is used to
reinforce the desired attitude. praising successful change in practice and attitude can assist the process of
refreezing. Coaching and training can also be used for reinforcing the change in the informal culture of
the organisation.
In his model Lewin identified three ways that organisational change could be accomplished:
i) Changing the individuals who work in the organisation (their skills, values, attitudes
and behaviour).
ii) Changing various organisational structures and systems like reward systems, work
designs, relationships etc.
iii) Directly changing the organisational climate or interpersonal style i.e., issues like how
often people are with each other, how the conflict is managed and how decisions are
made.
This model has attracted major criticisms. The key ones are that his work assumed
organisations operate in a stable state, was only suitable for small-scale change projects,
ignored power and politics, and was top-down and management driven. But rather than being
outdated or redundant, Lewin's approach is still relevant to the modern world.
According to Kotter and Schlesinger (1979) there are four basic reasons that people resist change.
i) Parochial self interest - Some people fear the implications of change for themselves. They feel
they will lose something they value such as power, status, money etc.
ii) Misunderstanding and lack of trust - At times people affected do not understand the actual
reasons and benefits of the change and mistrust the management initiating the change. This
situation could arise because of communication problems and the people in the organisation
getting inadequate information.
iii) Low tolerance to change - Some people are very keen on security and stability in their work,
and do not adapt to change by the very nature of their personality, or feel that they cannot cope
with the changes that will effect them.
iv) Different assessments of the situation - This condition arises when both the initiators of
change and individuals affected by it disagree on the reasons for the change and on the
advantages and disadvantages of the change process. Kotter and Schlesinger have suggested
six change approaches to deal with resistance to change:
Kotter and Schlesinger have suggested six change approaches to deal with resistance to change:
pg. 130
• Education and Communication This approach is useful whenever there is a lack of information
one of the ways to overcome resistance is to educate and communicate with the people affected
by the change so as to for change and increase their trust that the changes are in the organisation's
interests.
• Participation and Involvement This approach is useful when the management is not in a position
to introduce change. The management can involve the employees in the change process and
overcome resistance, if any.
• Facilitation and Support This approach helps to make people adapt to the affected change in
situations, where individuals affected by change fear the anticipated change. The best way to prove
their fears unfounded is to force them into the new situation, so that they can realise that they can
cope. Appropriate support by the management also helps employees deal with fear and anxiety
during the transition period. There should be provision of counseling, coaching, further training
etc.
• Negotiation and Agreement This approach can be employed in situations where some group or
people have fear of losing something (power, money etc.) in the affected change and, therefore
may resist the change. The way of lessening such resistance is to negotiate something in return
and offer incentives to those resisting change.
• Manipulation and Co-option This approach involves eo-opting with the resistors. Co-option
involves the patronising gesture in fringing a person into a change management planning group
first just for the sake of appearances rather than any substantive contribution.
• Explicit and Implicit Coercion This approach can be employed in situations where change is
imposed for the survival of the organisation and speed is essential. Management can explicitly or
implicitly force employees to accept change by 'making clear that any resistance to change can
lead to firing, transferring or losing jobs. This model of six approaches helps in identifying the
different types of resistance to change and in understanding different sources of resistance can be
overcome by different approaches. Often, a combination of these approaches can be employed.
pg. 131
1. Visionary Leadership: Leaders need to articulate a clear and compelling vision for change that
inspires and motivates others. This vision should outline why the change is necessary, what the
desired future state looks like, and how it aligns with the organization's goals and values.
2. Strategic Planning: Leaders are responsible for developing a strategic plan for implementing the
change, including setting goals, identifying key milestones, allocating resources, and establishing
timelines. They need to ensure that the plan is well-structured, realistic, and aligned with the
organization's overall strategy.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Leaders need to engage with stakeholders at all levels of the
organization to build support for the change. This involves involving stakeholders in the planning
process, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that they understand the impact of the change on
them.
5. Role Modeling: Leaders need to lead by example and demonstrate their commitment to the
change. This includes embracing the change themselves, following through on commitments, and
showing resilience in the face of challenges.
6. Empowerment: Leaders should empower employees to take ownership of the change and be
actively involved in the change process. This involves delegating authority, encouraging
innovation, and providing support and resources to help employees adapt to the change.
7. Monitoring and Adaptation: Leaders need to monitor the progress of the change initiative,
identify any issues or challenges that arise, and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the
change is successful. This requires being flexible, responsive, and willing to adapt to changing
circumstances.
8. Celebrating Success: Finally, leaders should celebrate successes and milestones along the way
to maintain momentum and morale. This helps reinforce the positive impact of the change and
encourages continued commitment to the change process.
pg. 132
TERMINAL QUESTIONS
SECTION A (5 MARKS)
1. Interpret the environment analysis in strategic Leadership for a sound organisational
establishment.
2. Illustrate the Strategic ledership vision of an organisation
3. Employ the strategic mission statement
4. Demonstrate the strategic leadership values
5. Dramatize the Strategic Formulation and its process.
6. Schedule the methods used for strategic evolution
pg. 133