1. Right Answer: C
Explanation: The emergent leadership theory proposes that leaders can emerge from a group, deriving their power from the group's agreement with this role. The other leadership theories refer to the ways team leaders use their roles to produce results and engage, develop, and motivate team members.
2. Right Answer: C
Explanation: Leaders must model the values the organization aspires to, which means being trustworthy and reliable. Effective leaders may not allow all employees to direct themselves. They provide coaching rather than terminating poor performers. They provide detailed directions to those who need it.
3. Right Answer: B
Explanation: Managers who exhibit low task, high people (country club) leadership styles avoid using their authority because they fear that it will jeopardize their relationships. They try to create a supportive atmosphere and trust that employees will respond positively. An authoritarian leader emphasizes task, and an impoverished leader neglects both task and people. A true team leader attends to needs related to both tasks and people.
4. Right Answer: D
Explanation: D is the best response. This is a very delicate situation for an HR manager, who must fulfill a duty to the organization. Respecting friendship and honoring other's requests are serious considerations. However, if ignored, claims of harassment put the organization in a precarious position, with potential liability. Given that the allegations are being made against a senior management employee, it is important for the HR manager to escalate this issue to a more senior HR leader to determine the best way to proceed. Furthermore, since the HR manager has a long-standing personal friendship with the employee making the harassment claim, it is probably best for another HR person to step in for the investigation so as to fend off any perception of HR bias. A is incorrect. The VP of operations should not be confronted until a formal plan of action is created. B is incorrect. Once the administrative assistant has shared the allegations with the HR manager, even if in confidence and during personal time, the HR manager has a duty to protect the employer from any liability. If the HR manager does not act on the allegations of misconduct and harassment, she is jeopardizing the organization. C is incorrect. Talking with the administrative assistant and urging her to file a formal complaint is a good idea. However, if the administrative assistant continues to say no, the HR manager must do something. If the HR manager does not act on the allegations of misconduct and harassment, even if the allegations were made on personal time, the HR manager is jeopardizing the organization.
5. Right Answer: A
Explanation: A is the best response. The VP of operations plays a critical role in the organization and has been identified as a potential successor to the CEO. Given that this is the second time sexual harassment allegations have been made against him and that this time there's a threat of a lawsuit, it is important to notify the CEO and corporate counsel. B is incorrect. It is important to investigate the entire situation, with all allegations and claims considered equally. C is incorrect. HR should not take any action independent of the organization's CEO and attorney. D is incorrect. At this stage, firing the VP of operations may be premature, as it is just an allegation with no actual evidence and not even clarity on the facts. A sound and unbiased investigation must be conducted to uncover the facts, and only then would the policy on disciplinary action apply if deemed necessary.
6. Right Answer: C
Explanation: The telling leadership style prioritizes the task (providing direction) over the relationship (creating motivation). Entry-level employees require leadership that provides structure to project scheduling, methodologies, procedures, etc. When the new employee gains proficiency, the leader can begin to focus on 'selling' or motivating. Because the new employee does not possess sufficient experience or insight into best practices, he or she cannot adequately participate in joint problem solving or decision making, which would characterize the participating and delegating approaches.
7. Right Answer: D
Explanation: The situational leadership theory states that different leadership styles should be used based on the situation in which managers find themselves. The trait theory states that leaders possess different traits than average people do. According to the behavioral theory, how a person behaves determines leadership effectiveness. The motivational theory looks at the factors causing job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
8. Right Answer: B
Explanation: B is the best response. This call will help assess security's level of concern regarding site safety and will ensure that they save the tapes of the incident. A is incorrect. If the HR VP calls the HR manager, the HR manager may demand that no action be taken. The HR VP will do better by taking appropriate investigatory action prior to contacting the HR manager. C is incorrect. Having the police on site would likely be viewed as an overreaction, since on-site security is available. D is incorrect. A proper investigation should be conducted prior to advising the general manager on what course of action should be taken.
9. Right Answer: A
Explanation: A is the best response. Helping the second shift HR generalist with the cleanup is consistent with the company's value of constant respect for people. B is incorrect. With the security footage available for reference, there is no need to leave the office in a shambles for more people to witness. C is incorrect. Contacting the HR manager for this purpose could only further exacerbate the matter.
10. Right Answer: D
Explanation: D is the best response. The HR team will likely be concerned and unsettled. Bringing them together for reassurance and to hear their concerns will help. Reinforce that there is a plan to address the situation. A is incorrect. Asking the HR team to document their concerns may create additional anxiety and opportunity for gossip. The HR VP should convey the facts and concerns to the general manager on behalf of the HR team. B is incorrect. Because of the history of the HR manager's volatile behavior, an apology may not be well received. If the HR manager feels pressured to provide an apology, it might not be seen as sincere and could generate additional concern. C is incorrect. Given the history of the HR manager, this could further exacerbate the situation.
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