Knowledge Wrap-Up Week 8

Leadership and Structure Organization

Fernanda Camargo

University Canada West

BUSI100 – Business Fundamentals

Marcio Silva

December 1st, 2023

 Leadership and Structure Organization

In organizational management, various aspects play pivotal roles in shaping the

structure and functionality of a company. Management levels encompass first-line
supervision, middle management, and top management, each contributing distinct
responsibilities to decision-making and task execution.
Organizational options, such as functional, divisional, matrix, and network structures,
offer diverse frameworks influencing the operational dynamics and organization of a
company. Specialization, the division of labor into specific tasks, boosts efficiency by
allowing employees to specialize and excel in their respective areas.
Departmentalization involves grouping tasks into departments based on functions,
products, customers, or geographic locations, tailored to the organization's goals and strategy.
Key organizational terms include authority, responsibility, delegation, centralization, and
decentralization, delineating the power and decision-making dynamics within an organization.
The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
The strategic planning process involves analyzing internal and external environments, setting
long-term goals, and formulating strategies to achieve them. Leadership is crucial in inspiring
teams to embrace and execute the strategic plan.
Managers direct and motivate through various leadership styles, adapting to the maturity and
skills of their team members. Effective interpersonal skills, communication, and an
understanding of individual needs are essential in this process.
Monitoring operations and assessing performance are integral managerial functions.
Continuous evaluation ensures alignment with established goals, with corrective actions taken
as necessary.
Benchmarking involves comparing a company's performance with industry standards
and best practices. It provides insights for improvement and innovation.
Successful managers require diverse skills, including technical expertise, interpersonal
skills, effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, adaptability, and
inspirational leadership abilities.
Autocratic Leadership:
 Description: The leader makes decisions unilaterally, with little to no input
from the team.
 Example: In a crisis situation where quick, decisive action is needed, a military
commander might use an autocratic style.
Democratic Leadership:
 Description: Decision-making is a collaborative process involving input from
team members.
 Example: During a brainstorming session, a project manager seeks input from
all team members before making a decision.
Transformational Leadership:
  Description: Leaders inspire and motivate their teams to achieve greatness and
exceed their own expectations.
 Example: Steve Jobs at Apple is often cited as a transformational leader, as he
inspired innovation and creativity within his team.
Transactional Leadership:
 Description: Focuses on maintaining order and efficiency through clear roles,
rules, and expectations.
 Example: In a manufacturing setting, a supervisor using a transactional
approach may reward employees for meeting production targets.
Laissez-Faire Leadership:
 Description: Leaders take a hands-off approach, allowing team members to
make decisions and work independently.
 Example: In creative industries like design or software development, a laissez-
faire leader might trust their team to explore and implement their own ideas.
Servant Leadership:
 Description: Leaders prioritize the well-being and development of their team
members, serving their needs.
 Example: Mahatma Gandhi is often considered a servant leader, as he
dedicated himself to the service and betterment of others.
Charismatic Leadership:
 Description: Leaders use their personal charm and appeal to inspire and
captivate followers.
 Example: Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, is often seen as a
charismatic leader known for his energy and vision.
Situational Leadership:
 Description: Adapts leadership style based on the specific situation and the
maturity of the team.
 Example: A manager might use a more hands-on approach with a new team
but adopt a more delegative style with an experienced team.
Coaching Leadership:
 Description: Focuses on developing individuals' skills and capabilities through
guidance and mentorship.
 Example: A sports coach who works closely with athletes to improve their
performance and skills.
Remember that effective leaders often incorporate a mix of these styles, adjusting their
approach based on the context and the needs of the team or organization. Leadership is a
dynamic and adaptive skill.