Question

1. Using hypothetical/factual illustrations of Ghana’s situation relating to the President’s approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, determine whether or not the President’s style of leadership in handling the pandemic is right or wrong within the framework of Fiedler’s (1960) contingency theory of leadership.

2. With factual examples, characterize the decisions/actions of government in managing the COVID-19 pandemic as a demonstration of strategic thinking within Hughes and Beatty’s (2005) framework of strategic thinking.

4. To what extent is I/O psychology relevant to the field of human resource management during this period of COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer 1

                                    Fiedler’s contingency theory of leadership states that the effectiveness of a leader is known on how well a leader’s style of leadership matches the situation. The basic Contingency theory states that there is no singular and best way to lead an organization rather the best way to lead depends on the situation. In the Fiedler’s theory, the leadership style ids fixed and it cannot be changes according to a situation. Instead, the theory states that one has to accommodate various leaders in accordance with varying situations. Hence, this theory is in accordance with modern leadership theories. Thus, leadership style and situational favourableness are the two factors that are analysed in Fiedler’s theory

                                    The President of Ghana has taken the following measures in the Covid scenario. The analysis of the following could well explain the relation.

· Quarantine and restrictions have been imposed on the covid victims and restrictions have been placed on social gatherings in order to spread the disease.

· The borders have been shut in order to restrict the movements across the borders.

· ‘Imposition of Restrictions Act’ was passed in order to implement these policies.

· Measures have been taken in order to develop the public health system in the nation.

· Along with measures like lockdown, various measures have been initiated to improve the employment potential of the nation by accommodating the jobless in key sectors like pharmaceutical industry.

· A ‘Whole Ghana Approach’ was proclaimed for a wholistic development of the nation even during this pandemic.

                                                     Although there have been serious criticisms that the ‘Imposition of Restrictions Act’ has been instrumental in curtailing the fundamental rights of the public, It has to be understood that such stringent measures have to be implemented under similar situations in order to protect the greater interest of the public. The analysis of the performance achieved has justified that President’s actions have been in accordance with Fiedler’s contingency theory that a successful leader’s decision making depends on the situation in which it is being carried out.