Case Analysis: "Three Shifts, Three Supervisors"
Question 1. According to path goal theory (127), the challenge for a leader is to use a leadership style that best meets subordinates' motivational needs, accomplished by choosing behaviors that complement or supplement what is missing in the work setting. In this instance, Carol recognizes the deficits that are associated with the work roles of her subordinates. Unlike Art and Tom, Carol links company goals and rewards to productivity. She also recognizes the characteristics of the tasks that workers must complete, defines and clarifies goals and the path to achieve those goals, and removes obstacles while providing support. Art and Tom are less effective because they fail to recognize many of the challenges their workers face and to address their problems in a manner that is conducive to increasing individual motivation.
Question 2. Carol's leadership motivates because she addresses problems directly and modifies her leadership activities to meet the exigencies of a situation. She moves from directive to supportive to participative and achievement oriented leadership behaviors as indicated ("Path Goal Theory," 134). In the case of Art, his failure to recognize that workers are dissatisfied with repetitive tasks fails to motivate them. While his subordinates regard their tasks as mundane and mechanical and unchallenging, Art's leadership is not sufficiently supportive although it is directive. This is why he fails to motivate adequately. In the case of Tom, despite his supportive leadership, what is missing is directive and participative leadership. This is because the tasks that his subordinates must complete are at times ambiguous and complex with unclear rules. In essence, Tom's failure to respond to the complaints of his subordinates regarding the difficulty and complexity of their jobs makes him less effective than Carol.
Question 3. Carol's leadership ...