PINEDA GEORGE MICHAEL Z

BS ENTREPRENEURSHIP 1-5

Review Questions No. 3

1.   Who began the discussion that led to the skills approach?
Robert Katz began the discussion that led to the skills approach. He published an article in the Harvard Business Review in
1955 that said leadership was not in the traits but rather a set of skills.
2.   What methods have Mumford and his colleagues used to investigate leadership skills and effectiveness?
Mumford and his colleagues used over 1,800 Army officers ranking from second lieutenant to colonel to investigate the
relationship between skills and effectiveness. They tested the men on the way that they solved problems put before
them. This step meant they had to identify the problem, formulate understanding, and then try out solutions. Next, they
tested the officers on their social judgement. In other words, they saw how well they could work with others. Finally,
they identified that leaders require a certain amount of knowledge to succeed. People with more knowledge have more
complex organizing structures and thus during their research they looked for this skill.
3.   Explain the difference between a skill and a trait.
A trait is something that people are born with. For example, someone is born with blue eyes and blonde hair or they are
born being extraverted or agreeable. A skill on the other hand is something that can be learned and developed. Traits
are seen as personality characteristics that are fixed and skills are seen as the knowledge and abilities needed for
effective leadership. 
4.   Explain each element of the Three-Skill Approach.
The three elements of the Three-Skill Approach are technical, human, and conceptual skill. Technical skill is the knowledge
and proficiency someone has in a specific area. This skill is extremely important in the lower levels of management, but
as you work your way up technical skill becomes less important. “Individuals at the top level depend on skilled
followers” to handle the technical issues while they focus elsewhere (Northouse 44). Human skill is one’s knowledge and
ability to work with people. This is essential the people skills in life. Can you effectively interact with your peers and
followers? This is crucial to running an organization and achieving a goal. Finally, conceptual skill is the ability to work
with ideas and concepts. It is the leader’s ability to verbalize and think about the ideas that shape an organization. This
skill is crucial for creating a vision and implementing a strategic plan.
5.   At what organizational level are each of the three skills most important?
Technical skill is most important at the lower and middle levels of an organization. Human skill is important at all three
levels. Conceptual skill is most important at the top/upper level of management.
6.   How might the skills approach be used for personal awareness and development?
The skills approach can be used for personal awareness and development because it provides a “map for how to reach
effective leadership” (Northouse 57). This approach allows individuals to strive to be better in certain areas. If they know
that they are not good at solving problems, they can focus on that area and develop the skills necessary to get better.
This approach also tells people that they need to gain both knowledge and work experience. Both of these things are
very doable. If an individual wants to step up their leadership potential they can become more knowledgeable about the
field they are interested. They can even acquire this knowledge by getting a job in the field and kill two birds with one
stone. 
7.   How does the skills approach fit with the four components of leadership?
The skills approach is very similar to the idea that leadership is a process. Just like you can learn a process, skills are
something that can be learned and are thus universal. Additionally, this approach talks a lot about influence. It talks
about environmental influences but more importantly it talks about the influence a leader has over others. Their social
judgment skills can play a key role in their influence. Also, this approach focuses on the idea that it’s a group. There is a
leader and their followers. The leader cannot solve problems or make use of social skills if others are not in the picture.
Therefore it fits the group component. Finally, the skill approach works well with the idea of achieving a common goal
because the leader must be knowledgeable when it comes to their goal. They must use their problem-solving skills and
cognitive abilities to think outside the box and achieve these goals. Over all it appears that the skills approach is very
consistent with the four components of leadership.