Question

Mr. Jack and Miss Jane have both been recently promoted to supervisory positions. It appears from his first month as a supervisor that Mr. Jack is a Theory X person. Miss Jane, on the other hand, appears to favor the Theory Y philosophy. Both are having problems getting an acceptable level of performance from their teams.

(a)   What is the basic difference between consideration behavior and initiating structure behavior?  

(b)   In this case, how might situational model of leadership be applied by Mr. Jack and Miss Jane to solve the above-mentioned problems?  

Answer 1

Basic difference between consideration behavior and initiating structure behavior

The basic difference between these two is consideration behavior takes into consideration of people whereas initiating structure behavior takes into account task at hand. Therefore, a person showing consideration behavior demonstrates care for people. The team leader practicing the consideration behavior treats employees equally and listens to them. Initiating structure behavior by a leader takes into account completing work on time, and adhering to rules. Such behavior ensures that work standard must be high. Such behavior makes a person authoritarian in his or her approach.

b) Mr. Jack as a theory X person practices bureaucratic leadership but does not take responsibility. He also does not show high ambition and does not like to work hard. But his workers do not like his Laissez faire style of leadership. It reveals that the workers under him are not able to perform the task without close supervision and they may be unwilling too. It can also be possible that they are willing but unable to perform the tasks. Thus telling or directing leadership is suggested for Mr. Jack to enhance performance of employees. This kind of leadership style is appropriate when employees need close supervision and step to step instructions. The next leadership style is selling or coaching suggested for Mr. Jack. This style is feasible when employees have willingness but lack of ability. This leadership style can enhance skills and confidence of employees to complete work.

On the other hand, Ms. Jane shows that she is hard working, often takes initiatives and promotes innovation. She also accepts challenges and is involved in decision making. She also is found self motivated. But even with these qualities, she is unable to motivate workers. She may be instructing her team members and providing recommendations. She may involve them in decision making. But it is possible that employees working under him are quite experienced and they can take decisions independently. Thus she needs to practice a participating leadership style. She should listen to the employees and avoid giving directions to them. She can also practice a delegating leadership style where she can reduce her support to the team as they do not want it from her. She should encourage autonomy of workers to take decision because the workers are competent to take decisions. Thus, delegating and participating styles of leadership will be appropriate to Ms. Jane to enhance productivity of her team.