1. Exam practice The productivity of a workforce may be influenced by the leadership style of the manager. Identify the kind of leadership style you would expect to find in the following situations, and explain your reasoning. 1: a research and development department 2: an armed force group in war 3: a youth club planning an outing [9marks]

2. Answer The employees in a research and development team are assumed to be highly qualified, self motivated professionals. In these circumstances the leadership style most appropriate would be laissez-faire. Because the nature of the task will be outlined by the manager, who will then allow the subordinates to take control. For example... This is a situation where someone must take control. There is no time to open up a discussion and involve subordinates. In this circumstance, the most appropriate style of leadership would be autocratic. An order is made and subordinates are expected to obey the order with no questions asked. This is a situation which all members of the youth club understand and is therefore a decision they can all contribute to. To deny them the opportunity to contribute to a decision would be unwise and de- motivating. The most appropriate style of leadership in this circumstance would be democratic.

3. Discuss the extent to which the hotel manager might improve workers’ motivation by re-designing their jobs. [12] Answers should discuss methods of job re-design as propounded by Herzberg, such as job rotation, job enlargement, job enrichment and relate these to ideas relating to worker motivation – the encouragement to do a good job. One of the major factors which, it is argued, de-motivate workers is ‘boring’ jobs. So the reduction of repetitive tasks through moving workers between different jobs, or giving additional tasks and responsibilities is suggested as a means of reducing boredom and increasing motivation. Reference might be made to methods of job re-design, such as delegation, empowerment and training. Strong answers might consider the context of work situations and workers in limiting the possibility of job re-design. Evaluative comment on the ‘extent’ to which job re-design might improve workers’ motivation. [11–12] Sound analysis of some methods of job re-design (reference to relevant motivational theory gains reward at upper level, as does explicit context – hotel manager). [8–10] Some discussion of job re-design issues / aspects / devices / methods. [3–7] Outlines one or two aspects of job re-design with little discussion. [1–2]