Leadership Scenario

Leadership Scenario: A Question of Motivation

Kofi Djanphie

University of Maryland University College

BMGT 364

11/24/13

Professor Tonya Whitaker

Leadership Scenario: A Question of Motivation

Stephanie and Alex are employed at a local grocery store where their level of motivation has manifested contrasting behaviors. The behavior they exhibit as a result of different managerial influences is attributed to the opposing leadership styles they encounter. Stephanie operates under the direction of a manager that exhibits coaching behavior. Alternatively, Alex regrettably reports to a manager that emanates coercive behavior. The severe differentiation in the managers’ leadership behavior is the catalyst that produces the division between the indicated staff members performance. In order to copiously understand the preceding information various management theories must be introduced and applied to Stephanie’s and Alex’s organizational experience at the local grocery store.

Four theories, two leadership theories and two theories of management, have been selected to associate with the context involving Stephanie and Alex. The first leadership theory that has been nominated is the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership. Accompanying the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership is Fiedler’s Contingency Theory. The first theory of management that will be utilized is the Vroom Expectancy Theory. For the second theory of management the Porter-Lawler Theory has been designated.

Path-Goal Theory of Leadership

The path-goal theory was congregated by the illustrious Robert House. According to House the leadership theory declares, “Leaders exhibit behavior that supports environments and employee capabilities while directing attention away from inefficiencies in order to satisfy, inspire, and increase subordinate productivity” (“2011 Lifetime Achievement,” 2012). A manager’s initial responsibility is to assist and coach subordinates towards the attainment of intrinsic aspirations and the...