Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
Case 8.2: An Exploration in Leadership
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Every year, Dr. Cook, a professor, leads a group of 25 college students on an archeological
dig in the Middle East. The students come from a wide range of cities and colleges.
Dr. Cook demands that everyone in the group be ready for 5 a.m. digs. However, he is a
leader who solicits input from the followers and tries to use their personal skills and talents to
enhance the goal. Dr. Cook seems to stress two points: (a) that the students shared the
responsibility for the successful outcome of the venture and (b) that they had independent
authority to design, schedule, and carry out the details of their respective assignments, with
the director and other senior staff available at all times as advisers and resource persons.
This case study portrays a transformational leader who successfully serves as a role model.
He inspires the group with a shared vision, gives the followers individual consideration, and
challenges them regularly.
Learning Objectives:
• Students should demonstrate understanding of the transformational leadership theory
and be able to apply its main concepts (idealized influence, inspirational motivation,
Answers to Questions in the Text:
1. How is this an example of transformational leadership?
Dr. Cook has idealized influence because he acts as a strong role model for the group.
He seems to have a passion for the work and wakes up early on a daily basis to do it.
He works hard but also listens to followers and leads with respect.
2. Where are Dr. Cook’s strengths on the Full Range of Leadership model (Figure 8.2)?
3. What is the vision Dr. Cook has for the archaeology excavations?
Potential Teaching Approaches:
Below is a way to structure a class based on Transformational Leadership Theory and Case
Study 8.2:
• Ask students to read Case 8.2.
• Without relying on transformational leadership, students then discuss what Dr. Cook
Exercises for This Case Study:
1) Some students likely have studied abroad, done mission work overseas, or completed
long-term volunteer projects. The professor could ask students if they have been led
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
2) In small groups or individually, students can create mini–case studies of leaders along
the Full Range of Leadership Model, using the archeological dig as an example.
3) In a brief essay (200–250 words), have students outline a transformational leader
from their past that matches Dr. Cook’s strengths. What are the benefits of leading
like this? How can those benefit impact the student’s future as a leader? How can