QUESTION Bonnie Parker, COO of Economy Printing, has been unhappy with sales figures for the last two quarters, except for a slight upturn the last two weeks of the second quarter. As a result, she laid off the sales manager and now has everyone in the sales department reporting directly to her. She immediately instituted […]
QUESTION Participative leaders often say they have an “open-door policy,” emphasizing their open communication style. Such managers often seek employee input on decisions, listen to employee concerns, and delegate tasks. How does this approach affect the effectiveness of these leaders? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: It might not. Participative, or democratic, […]
QUESTION Suppose that one of Disney’s business units is a chain of sound studios. The studios have low profit potential, and the chain commands a relatively small share of the market. On these grounds, Disney is considering whether to sell the chain. Which of the following, if true, most strongly suggests that Disney should keep […]
QUESTION The late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, and Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer present two different pictures of leaders. Jobs was a visionary and a “techie,” a micromanager and a big-picture person. Ballmer is a good manager, although not a techie, and observers contend that he has been distracted lately from the company vision by litigation. […]
QUESTION If Kohler became known as a provider of products and services that embrace the “essence of gracious living,” which of the following would be the most likely result? A) Kohler would feel pressure to expand its business to include a wider range of products and services. B) Customers who had a positive experience with […]
QUESTION What is the difference between managing and leading? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: Leading is defined as motivating, directing, and otherwise influencing people to work hard to achieve the organization’s goals. Leaders cope with change, whereas managers cope with complexity. Leading is only one part of managing, which also includes […]
QUESTION Suppose that Kohler is deciding whether to create a line of self-installed kitchen and bathroom fixtures. In what way would Kohler’s definition of its mission lead it to make a different decision than it would make if it had no defined mission and merely attempted to follow widely accepted business practices? A) Kohler would […]
QUESTION Chandra has been told by her manager, Sofia, that she has potential to move up in the organization. Sofia has suggested that Chandra get involved in the company’s women’s organization and has offered to sponsor her membership. What is this an example of? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: This is […]
QUESTION Some managers have mastered different leadership styles and use them as assorted tools, chosen to fit different situations. When might an autocratic approach work better than a free-rein approach? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: A manager might want to use an autocratic approach when dealing with a new employee whose […]
QUESTION Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring long-term vision, creativity, and exceptional performance in employees. The vision attracts commitment and energizes employees by promoting high ideals and creating meaning in employees’ lives. Would you expect an organization under transformational leadership to experience high or low absenteeism? Explain. What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: […]
