Northouse, Leadership: Theory and Practice, Seventh Edition: Instructor Resource
Chapter 4 – Behavioral Approach
Discussion Questions and Exercises
1. Explain the behavioral approach and two general kinds of behaviors. What is the central
purpose of the behavioral approach?
2. Summarize the research methods and results of the Ohio State and Michigan studies. How
were the findings similar and different? What were the overall findings in the collaborative
studies in the 1950s and 1960s?
4. Study the managerial (leadership) grid and explain the derivation of the five major styles.
Define and describe each of these styles.
5. In what types of situations might each of these styles be the best one to use?
6. As a follower, how do you respond to each of these different leadership styles?
7. Explain the paternalism/maternalism style and how it is derived from the managerial grid.
a. Describe as extensively as possible the behaviors associated with this style.
b. Can you think of any examples of well-known leaders who use this style?
8. Explain the opportunistic style and how it is derived from the managerial grid.
a. Describe as extensively as possible the behaviors associated with this style.
b. Can you think of any examples of well-known leaders who use this style?
10. Rate yourself on the Style Questionnaire. Do your scores suggest that you are more task-
oriented or people-oriented? Tell a story that shows how your behavior in one situation illustrated
11. Is the “Impoverished management” style ever appropriate or desirable for an organization?
12. Who is the best leader you know? The worst? To what extent does the style approach account
for the differences between these leaders?