Apa Format: 2 Paragraphs, References Need Today Module 8 Dis ✓ Solved

Apa Format1 2 Paragraphsreferencesneed Todaymodule 8 Discussion Forum

Leaders don't always know about, understand, or recognize the many leadership theories that are in operation each day within organizations. Leadership theories provide the foundation for motivation and leadership, helping us to form ideas and setting the stage for strategies and goals. Name one leadership theory that realistically could be in place and exhibited by supervisors/employees without their even knowing it.

Explain your answer and back it up with research. Discuss how the leadership theory is put in place to motivate, nurture, and increase performance of employees or followers. Practical Application: Describe a situation where you or another colleague had to make a tough decision at work. What leadership or decision-making theory was at play? Did you recognize this at the time? If not, might you have used more intricate pieces of the theory to make the situation go smoothly? Note: If you do not have a work experience upon which to base this answer, you may research an organization or leader, but name the organization and provide evidence of your research (e.g., a newspaper article, for example, that describes the scenario).

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Leadership theories play a pivotal role in shaping organizational dynamics, often operating subtly without the conscious awareness of supervisors or employees. One such theory that could be in place unknowingly is Transformational Leadership. This theory emphasizes inspiring and motivating followers through vision, enthusiasm, and encouragement rather than through strict supervision or transactional rewards. According to Bass and Riggio (2006), transformational leaders foster an environment of trust and admiration, which encourages employees to exceed expectations and innovate without explicit directives. This theory is often embedded in organizational culture and daily interactions, shaping motivation and performance subtly yet profoundly.

Transformational leadership functions by aligning organizational goals with individual aspirations, thereby nurturing employees' intrinsic motivation. It enhances performance through inspirational communication, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration (Avolio & Bass, 2004). Employees under such influence tend to feel more committed and motivated, leading to improved productivity and job satisfaction. For instance, a supervisor who encourages team members to develop their skills and participate actively in decision-making may do so intuitively, embodying transformational principles that foster a positive work environment without overtly employing the theory.

In practical terms, I recall a colleague faced with a tough decision during a project deadline crunch. The leader implicitly demonstrated elements of the Decision-Making Theory, particularly the Democratic style, by involving the team in choosing the best course of action despite the urgency. At the time, I did not explicitly recognize this as a specific leadership theory, but looking back, the collaborative approach and encouragement of diverse viewpoints exemplify participative decision-making (Vroom & Yetton, 1973). Had I understood more about these nuanced theories, I might have used principles of Situational Leadership by adapting my approach based on the team's readiness level, thus making the decision process smoother and more effective (Hersey & Blanchard, 1969).

References

• Avolio, B. J., & Bass, B. M. (2004). Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Manual. Mind Garden.
• Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational Leadership (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Hersey, P., & Blanchard, K. H. (1969). Management of Organizational Behavior: Utilizing Human Resources. Prentice-Hall.