Case Study: Leadership Chaisa Isaac is employed as a manager at a large wholesale trader that...

 

Transcribed Image Text:

Case Study: Leadership Chaisa Isaac is employed as a manager at a large wholesale trader that sells kitchen utilities, sports ware, office furniture and outdoor equipment. It is a harsh, competitive environment, one that poses many challenges and that is characterized by long hours. Chaisa is a high achiever and very conscientious employee. She sets high goals for herself and commits herself fully to these goals. She is often the first one at work and last to leave. However, she feels totally frustrated with her staff. Knowing the benefits of empowerment, she delegated specific areas of responsibility to various departmental supervisors. While some excelled, others failed miserably. Chaisa decided to change her tactics, and instead set clear and well-defined goals for each supervisor, and spelled out exactly what behaviors were required of them. She also introduced a stricter control and evaluation system. Once again, she was disappointed by the outcome. While the new system increased the performance of those who struggled under her empowerment attempts, the other supervisors became dissatisfied and lost the passion that they had previously shown in their jobs. Answer the following questions: (a) Use situational leadership theory to explain Chaisa's experiences .What advice would you give Chaisa to lead her employees effectively? (15) (b) What leadership competencies does Chaisa need to be a successful leader? Why are these competencies important in relation to leading? Illustrate with examples. (12) (c) Think of someone who you would regard as an effective leader. First describe this person in terms of their characteristics or traits. Secondly, describe what the person does as a leader. How would you explain the change in their behaviour or style? (15) Case Study: Leadership Chaisa Isaac is employed as a manager at a large wholesale trader that sells kitchen utilities, sports ware, office furniture and outdoor equipment. It is a harsh, competitive environment, one that poses many challenges and that is characterized by long hours. Chaisa is a high achiever and very conscientious employee. She sets high goals for herself and commits herself fully to these goals. She is often the first one at work and last to leave. However, she feels totally frustrated with her staff. Knowing the benefits of empowerment, she delegated specific areas of responsibility to various departmental supervisors. While some excelled, others failed miserably. Chaisa decided to change her tactics, and instead set clear and well-defined goals for each supervisor, and spelled out exactly what behaviors were required of them. She also introduced a stricter control and evaluation system. Once again, she was disappointed by the outcome. While the new system increased the performance of those who struggled under her empowerment attempts, the other supervisors became dissatisfied and lost the passion that they had previously shown in their jobs. Answer the following questions: (a) Use situational leadership theory to explain Chaisa's experiences .What advice would you give Chaisa to lead her employees effectively? (15) (b) What leadership competencies does Chaisa need to be a successful leader? Why are these competencies important in relation to leading? Illustrate with examples. (12) (c) Think of someone who you would regard as an effective leader. First describe this person in terms of their characteristics or traits. Secondly, describe what the person does as a leader. How would you explain the change in their behaviour or style? (15)

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Situational leadership theory posits that there is no onesizefitsall approach to leadership rather t... View the full answer