Case 6.1: Three Shifts, Three Supervisors
Case synopsis and analysis
Three supervisors with different leadership behaviors work three different shifts for Brako, a
small manufacturing company that produces parts for the auto industry. Art supervises the first
shift, where workers’ tasks are repetitive and mundane. Bob supervises the second shift, during
which employees have to set up machines and work on complex computer programs. Bob is a
Learning objectives:
• Students should be able to decipher subordinate characteristics for three different
groups of followers.
Answers to questions in the text:
1. Based on the principles of path–goal theory, describe why Art and Bob appear to be less
effective than Carol.
Carol adjusts her behavior based on the followers’ needs and the complexity of the tasks. She is
able to help her followers define and work toward their goals while removing obstacles for them
and providing needed support.
Northouse, Leadership: Theory and Practice, Seventh Edition: Instructor Resource
2. How does the leadership of each of the three supervisors affect the motivation of their
respective followers?
Art’s group lacks motivation because the work is repetitive and mundane. Art gives these
employees direction and reminders but would enhance their motivation if he focused less on
direction and more on supporting them. He needs to go out of his way to make work more
pleasant for the subordinates.
3. If you were consulting with Brako about leadership, what changes and recommendations
would you make regarding the supervision by Art, Bob, and Carol?
Potential teaching approaches:
Below is a way to structure a class based on skill theory and case study 6.1:
• Discuss how leaders can/should motivate their followers in general. Here, students could
create a top 10 list of ways to motivate followers or share stories about how leaders have
motivated them in the past.
Exercises for this case study:
1) Carol must develop a training/mentoring program for both Art and Bob. Students are to
act like Carol in small groups and create this program for Art and Bob.
2) Role-Play: Students play the part of Art, Bob, Carol, and the owner of Brako. The owner
of Brako calls them in for a meeting and asks Art and Bob about their leadership