The Case Study, a Question of Motivation

Introduction

The case study, A Question of Motivation, explores an understanding of how leadership styles affect the behavior of the employees. Jonathan and Dan have two different expectations when it comes to managing. Jonathan delegates tasks to his employees and allow a place for advancement. Dan prefers his employees doing repetitive tasks each day, which is hindering the employees from advancing. Jonathan is depicted as more of a people person, his employees like his style of management and he encourages career advancement. However, Dan is a stickler who is difficult to encounter. Stephanie works underneath Jonathan and she is spirited and motivated. Alex works underneath Dan and he is distressed and frustrated. (Robbins & Judge) Through The Life Cycle Theory of Leadership, The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and Alderfer’s ERG Theory, it will analyze the management style of how Iwata leads and motivates the company.

The Life Cycle Theory of Leadership

The Life Cycle Theory of Leadership is a theory that consists of two types of leadership behavior, task and relationship. The theory is based on the maturity level that the followers develop. Maturity involves the followers’ ability to perform tasks independently, require additional responsibility, and have the desire for success. To indicate how effective the leadership style is, it reflects on a combination of task and relationship: high task/low relationship, low task/high relationship, high task/high relationship, and low task/low relationship. (Certo & Certo, 2014, 2012, 2009, p.342)

Each follower requires a different style of leadership. The four-life cycle helps evaluate which approach is appropriate to implement. Since Stephanie was able to outshine her performance that shows she is capable of performing tasks independently, Jonathan uses low task/high relationship leadership style by giving her moral support and encouragement for additional responsibility. In contrast, Alex is doing repetitive tasks which makes him unable to demonstrate his capability because Dan uses high task/high relationship leadership style. Even though Alex’s maturity level has somewhat increased, Dan still needs to micro-managed him. If Dan uses the same leadership style as Jonathan, Alex would be able to show his potentials.

The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership

The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership is a theory of how a leader motivates and assists the follower on achieving their goals. The leader must be able to provide a clarifying path on which direction the follower needs to follow, support the follower through any obstacles, and reward the follower when it is necessary. There are four styles of leadership behavior: Supportive behavior, Directive behavior, Participative behavior, and Achievement behavior. (Certo & Certo, 2014, 2012,