Discussion 1

Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapters 3, 4

• Minimum of 1 library resource for initial post

Initial Post Instructions

Explain the concept of motivation and why it is important to motivate employees. In your discussion, you must address the following questions:

• Which of the three content motivation theories do you prefer? Why?

• Which of the three process motivation theories do you prefer? Why?

• What is your motivation theory?

• What major methods, techniques, and so on do you plan to use in your career?

Discussion 2

Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapters 3, 4

• Link (website): Fiedler's Contingency Theory

• Minimum of 1 library resource for initial post

Introduction

Fiedler's contingency model gives organizations a way to measure the potential effectiveness of a group's performance based on the leadership style and the situation of the group. The model can help management decide who is a more suitable leader for either group types: task-motivated or relationship-motivated.

The model gives organizations a way to quickly identify the best potential leaders for a particular group thereby making the goal of the groups potentially more easily attainable with strategic resource application. Using the model you can access whether you or others are stronger in task-oriented or relationship-oriented situations.

However, Fiedler's model is not flexible and not applicable to all work situations. Work situations that rely on structure, such as the military and law enforcement, may use Fiedler's Contingency Leadership Model during emergencies where quick decisions need to be made and leadership strengths are crucial during emergency management situations such as Hurricane Katrina.

Initial Post Instructions

Fiedler's Contingency Model has had many applications in the real world and has contributed to the development of other contingency theories; however, it has not gone uncontested.

• Review the criticisms discussed in the book, as well as the following critique written by leadership-central.com

o "The vagueness of the parameters in the LPC scale makes them open to interpretation and they are context-free. For example, "supportive" could mean anything. Giving criticism can be supportive, but in whose eyes?

A leader who is egotistical may not see any criticism as supportive. As with any surveys, one must ask how dynamic are they? Personalities and judgments of them change over time and with circumstances. Survey research is notoriously inaccurate, as Gabriel Almond found four decades ago, and modern survey techniques are very sophisticated, albeit fraught with problems.

The proof of a theory is its ability to predict, but if the terms are vague enough, just about any prediction will do. As somewhat of a sidebar, controversies about "prophets" such as Nostradamus abound, but the fact is that his predictions were so general that many could be deemed accurate. Horoscopes are beset with the same difficulties, as the traits are so general that just about anyone would qualify as having those about any day and in the right circumstances - which also are usually described in vague terms."

o Do you agree with these criticisms? Why or why not?

o Are there any other criticisms you can offer to this model

Assignment: Essay

Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 3, 4

• Minimum of 2 library resources

Introduction

A leadership model is used as an example for emulation or use in a given situation. The hope is that followers will imitate the leader's behavior. A leadership theory can be defined as an explanation of some aspect of leadership. The Contingency Leadership Theory addresses the need that leadership styles require adapting to meet the situation. The word "contingency" means, "it depends."

All of the contingency leadership theories discussed in class have leadership models, also referred to as variables. The variables depend on the follower, the leader, and the situation. There are two leadership behavior concepts: Behavioral Theories and Contingency Theories. All leadership styles are based on the two leadership behavior concepts.

Contingency leadership theories, together with behavior leadership styles, have similarities and differences. Two of the leadership models, contingency and normative are classified as prescriptive as they tell the user exactly which style to use in a given situation. The continuum and path-goal leadership models are descriptive and identify contingency variables and leadership styles and do not specify which style to us in a given situation.

Today we live in and operate in a global economy. The world has gotten smaller and we are faced with the challenges of navigating the global economy. Learning how to embrace a diverse organizational environment may require many changes in our approach. Understanding leadership theories and models and how they can work together may provide flexibility that can lead to success.

Companies are always trying to find those employees who exhibit leadership. Understanding leadership models and theories will help you identify leadership traits that you can develop and apply on a daily basis in the work place; and may help you understand what type of job or organization would maximize your career goals.

Activity Instructions

For this activity, you will write a critical review essay in which you will analyze and critique two of the leadership models we discussed in class this week. You should be aware that you will need to not only review the description of the models in the textbook, but also research additional information to add to your critique.

Select one behavioral theory of leadership and one contingency theory of leadership to analyze in your essay. The first part of the review will involve a concise synopsis of the theories you chose (1-1.5 pages). The second half of the review will present your critique of the theories. Remember, a critical review includes both the positive and the negative components of the theories (1.5-2 pages).

Writing Requirements (APA format)

• 3-4 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page

• 1-inch margins

• Double spaced

• 12-point Times New Roman font

• Title page with topic and name of student

• References page (minimum of 2 resources)