Chapter 2 Video Lecture: Leadership Styles

Introduction

• Overview of leadership styles
• Key points:
  • Leadership styles are contextual; no one uses the same style in all situations
  • Page 41 of the textbook outlines three main styles:
    1. Authoritarian
    2. Democratic
    3. Laissez-faire

Authoritarian Leadership Style

• Leader makes decisions; followers carry them out
• Often viewed negatively but can be effective in certain contexts
  • Example: Parenting (instructing children for safety)
  • Example: Military (orders must be followed without question)
  • Example: Expert mountain climber (inexperienced followers need guidance)
• Misuse can offend followers
• Reflection: Consider past experiences with this style

Democratic Leadership Style

• Leader consults followers and involves them in decision-making
• Often favored by students
• Not always efficient or appropriate
  • Example: Classroom settings (not practical for designing curriculum collaboratively)
  • Example: Smaller workplaces (can lead to motivated and engaged teams)
• Context-dependent

Laissez-faire Leadership Style

• Hands-off leadership; minimal guidance from leader
• Can be effective with highly skilled and motivated followers
• May lead to issues if followers require more direction
• Pros and cons depending on situation

Task and Interpersonal Leadership

• Two key aspects of leadership:
  1. Task: The job to be done
  2. Interpersonal: Relationships among people
• Balance is crucial for efficiency
• Examples:
  • Group project dynamics in class (finding balance between socializing and task focus)
  • Leaders focusing solely on task vs. fostering good relationships
• Leaders help facilitate this balance

Models of Task and Relationship Balance

• Pages 48-54 of the textbook cover models of this balance
• Various communication models depict this balance in different ways
  • Some view task and relationship as distinct
  • Others see them as simultaneous
• Consider which model resonates most with personal leadership style
  • Reflect on ideal approaches for professors (task vs. interpersonal)
  • Instructor's approach in conducting the online course

Conclusion

• Read the chapter carefully, especially the models
• Complete the task list and assignments
• Contact the instructor with questions
• Prepare for the next module