Test 1 Study Guide
Chapters 1-5
Chapter 1: Understanding Leadership -Look over in lecture
1. What is leadership? Understand the differences between
... [Show More] the six conceptualizations (i.e.,
trait, ability, skill, behavior, relationship, and influence process). Note: you don’t need to
know table 1.1 (seven Cs of change model) Leadership is made up of six conceptualizations.
There is no set definition. Rost 91 says Leadership is a mutual influence process involving
both leaders and followers Johnson & Hackman 18 Leadership is human symbolic
communication that modifies the attitudes and behaviors of others in order to meet shared
group goals and needs.
-Trait- an individual has certain qualities they are born with
-Ability -Can be learned
-Skill-Competency developed to accomplish a task effectively
-Behavior-“task”-get job done “relationship” teamwork establishment
-Relationship-Mutual influence process involving both leaders and followers.
-Influence process- whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to reach a
common goal
2. What is the difference between an approach and a theory in leadership communication
research? Why does the distinction matter? (Box 1.1) An approach is a general way of
thinking about a phenomenon, not necessarily based on empirical research. A theory
usually includes a set of hypotheses, principles, or laws that explain a given phenomenon.
A theory can provide a predictive framework in analyzing those phenomenon.
3. How does leadership connect to communication? Effective leaders are able to use language
as their most effective tool to reach those desirable outcomes.
4. What’s the difference between leadership and management? Leadership is about
collaboration , innovation, change, vision. Management is organizational tasks, stability,
process-oriented.
Chapter 2: Recognizing Your Traits
1. What does the trait approach focus on? How does this make it different from other
approaches? Focuses on the leader not the situation. This approach is more straightforward
and hinges on a certain set of traits.
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the trait approach? Strengths- 1. Intuitively
appealing 2. Loads of research 3. Focus on the leaders 4. Provides benchmarks for what to
look for in leaders Weaknesses- 1. No definitive trait list 2. Doesn’t consider situations 3.
Highly Subjective list of “important” trains 4. Doesn’t look at outcomes 5. Not useful for
training/development
3. What are the six key traits of successful leaders? Be able to identify them in examples.
Intelligence, Confidence, Charisma, Determination, Sociability, Integrity
Chapter 3: Understanding Leadership Styles
1. What are Theories X, Y, and Z? [Show Less]