Bmgt 364 Group Case Study

Leading the Way: A Leadership and Motivation BMGT 364 Management and Organization Theory

Abstract

Have you ever tried to move mountains? Companies move mountains every day by simply inspiring their employees. The most successful ways to inspire someone is through leadership and motivation. Motivation and leadership often work hand-in-hand. Understanding how these two factors can contribute to the success of an organization can help to promote increased productivity, a pleasant work environment, and personal satisfaction while on the job. The case study introduces Stephanie and Alex, two employees at a supermarket, who work for two different managers, Jonathan and Dan. The case study provides insight to the different relationships each employee has with their respective managers and the methods used to motivate their employees. This paper will analyze the case study by identifying leadership and motivation methods in the case study and selecting the theories that best explain the mechanisms at work. The analysis will be conducted in two parts: leadership and motivation. We will first analyze the leadership methods used by managers Jonathan and Dan and how their leadership styles affect Stephanie and Alex using the path-goal theory. Further identifying how their leadership styles form the basis of each manager’s relationship with their employee by using the leader-member exchange theory. Next, we will switch our focus onto the motivation methods used by Jonathan and Dan and how Stephanie and Alex perceive those methods. We will first classify the underlying motivational factors from the passage using the two-factory theory followed by exploring Stephanie and Alex’s perceptions based on our understanding of the equity theory.

Leadership Analysis

Working towards objectives to achieve mission and vision statements cannot be done by the CEO or employees alone. Leadership helps to translate those statements into actions carried out by employees. Leadership does...