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Successful businesses believe that leadership and management form an integral part of their success - NSC Business Studies - Question 8 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 8
Successful businesses believe that leadership and management form an integral part of their success. Others argue that management plays a more important role than le... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Successful businesses believe that leadership and management form an integral part of their success - NSC Business Studies - Question 8 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give TWO differences between leadership and management.
Answer
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Influence vs. Administration: Leadership influences human behavior and inspires followers through charisma and values, whereas management focuses on administering tasks and ensuring rules are followed efficiently.
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Focus Orientation: Leaders tend to focus on the big picture and long-term vision, while managers concentrate on short-term goals and the procedural tasks necessary to achieve those goals.
Step 2
Discuss the situational and transformational leadership theories.
Answer
Situational leadership theory suggests that leaders adjust their style based on the maturity and ability of the followers. It emphasizes flexibility and the need for leaders to evaluate the situation before adopting a specific leadership approach.
Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring change and encouraging followers to exceed their own interests for the sake of the organization. Transformational leaders often wish to boost morale and increase productivity through a shared vision.
Step 3
Evaluate the impact of autocratic and transactional leadership styles on businesses and suggest situations in which each leadership style can be applied.
Answer
Autocratic leadership can lead to quick decision-making, which is beneficial during crises, but it may demotivate employees and reduce morale if overused. Situations for its use include emergencies or when team cooperation is low.
Transactional leadership, on the other hand, focuses on structure and provides rewards for meeting performance targets. This style is effective in environments where specific guidelines are needed, such as in manufacturing or sales settings. It can be applied when deadlines must be met under pressure or when employees require clear instructions.