Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
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 likeable supportive leader, while Art is directive. The third shift supervisor is Carol,
who shifts her leadership behavior to fit the circumstances. She is sometimes participative,
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 can help her followers define and work toward their goals while removing
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
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 the path–goal 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.
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
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.
a. In small groups, students should consider what steps Carol should take to help
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
3. In a brief essay (200–250 words), explain what might happen to the subordinates if
Carol, Art, and Bob were to exchange shifts. How might Carol’s team respond to