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HR08

Managerial Leadership

(For CNM Cases)

Assignment – II

Assignment Code: 2016HR08A2                                                                Last Date of Submission: 30^th April 2016

                                                                                                                               Maximum Marks: 100

Attempt all the questions.  All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.

Section-A

1.                  "Leadership is the process of encouraging and helping others to work enthusiastically towards objectives." Explain this statement in the light of features of leadership. 

2.                  Describe meaning of "Charisma" and discuss various types of charismatic leaders and characteristics of charismatic leader.

3.                  How does a culturally heterogeneous staff contribute to the leader’s ability to make effective decisions? 

4.                  Define team & role of team leader in its outcome. Using example of any team you have been member. 

Section-B

Case Study

One of the most successful discount department stores in America is known as Wal-Mart stores and is named after its founder Sam Walton. Because of the phenomenal success of these stores, Sam Walton became one of the richest men in America. Also, because of his leadership, the stores have enjoyed continuous growth and expansion, so that by mid 1980s, the chain had over 700 stores and was increasing at the rate of an additional 100 stores per year. Its sales increased annually by over 35% and the profits have soared close to 40% per year every year since 1975.

Sam Walton, until he died in 1992, took personal interest in his employees. His managerial philosophy was to get the right people in the right places and then give them the freedom to be innovative to accomplish their tasks. He called his employees as associates and treated them as associates. As per company policy, all associates are eligible for profit sharing plans that motivate the employees further. The managers of the stores are required and encouraged to meet with their employees in a social setting to discuss their concerns as well as issues of organizational interest, and this makes the employees feel that their input is taken seriously by the management.

Sam Walton himself led a simple life. He did not exhibit any aura about himself, giving the employees a feeling that he was one of them. He and his executives regularly travelled in company owned planes to visit Wal-Mart stores situated at various sites across the country. He met with sales clerks, stock boys and sales managers to find out what items were popular. He knew most of them by their first names and addressed them so. He initiated "employee of the month" in all categories and created honour roles for more successful stores. This created inner competition requiring extra effort to improve sales and service. This policy gained high respect for him as a leader.

5.         Case Questions:

            a.         How would you describe Sam Walton as an effective leader? What leadership theory is                           consistent with his leadership style? 

            b.         How important it is for a leader to mix with the employees? How does this leadership                             style of "being one of the boys" affect the motivation of the employees?