A self-managed work team is characterized by its high level of autonomy and collective responsibility. To improve synergy and success, these teams must move beyond simply sharing information (which is characteristic of a work group) and engage in collective actions. One of the primary hallmarks of a successful self-managed team is the ability toexercise collective control over the pace of work.
In a traditional assembly line, the pace is dictated by the machinery or a supervisor. In a self-managed team, members decide how to schedule work, assign tasks, and monitor their own progress. This collective control fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. Options A and C describe traditional "work group" behaviors rather than team behaviors; teams require mutual accountability rather than just individual roles. By controlling their own pace and methods, team members can synchronize their efforts more effectively, leading to the positive synergy where the team's output is greater than the sum of individual inputs.
Question # 15
How might a charismatic leader work to increase performance in an organization?
Charismatic Leadership Theory suggests that followers make attributions of heroic or extraordinary leadership abilities when they observe certain behaviors. The most fundamental way a charismatic leader increases performance is byarticulating an appealing vision. This vision serves as a long-term strategy for attaining a goal by making the future better than the status quo.
Image of Charismatic Leadership Characteristics
A charismatic leader does not just set goals; they provide a "vision statement"—a formal proclamation of an organization's mission—that they use to imprint on followers an overarching goal and purpose. They then communicate high-performance expectations and express confidence that followers can attain them, which enhances follower self-esteem. Unlike transactional leaders who rely on rewards or directive approaches, charismatic leaders use emotional appeal and personal risk-taking to inspire followers to go beyond their self-interest for the sake of the organization. This articulation of a "better future" is the primary engine of motivation in charismatic leadership.