In Chapter 17, Fiedler asserts that leader behavior is inflexible and cannot be readily changed.

Do you agree or disagree with this assertion? Why? Give specific examples to support your position Fiedlers least-preferred coworker is a theory of leadership that suggests that the appropriate style of leadership varies with situational favorableness for the leader (Griffin, 2010). There are two styles of leadership in Fiedlers theory: task oriented (analogous to job-centered and initiating-structure behavior) and relationship oriented (similar to employee-centered and consideration behavior) (Griffin, 2010). These two styles of leadership described in the LPC can both have the same manager traits, but neither style determines the effectiveness of the manager. Both styles can be equally effective when the manager has employees that are willing to accept the personality of the manager (Griffin, 2010). If the manager was to score high on the LPC, has coercive power and does not have any diagnostic skills, Fiedlers theory would not make much sense. The LPC measure is controversial because researchers disagree about its validity and there is an opportunity for the manager to obscure the results intentional or non-intentional (Griffin, 2010). In the Middle East religion is a way of life and it is a driving force for local and national policy making and is a basic motivator for individual behavior (Theodory, 1982). Task oriented principals seem hardly needed in this culture (Theodory, 1982). While viewing the Life is Good video, John and Bert demonstrated the importance of balance in leaders and how they manage. Both John and Bert somewhat mentioned weakness and how everyone has weaknesses, but also thinks hiring someone to complement a leaders weaknesses is a great way to build a successful team. This approach displayed by John and Bert would point to an inflexible leader behavior because the leader is not looking to change. The leader is only interested in getting the task completed, which supports Fiedler declaration that leader behavior is inflexible and cannot be readily changed, although the leader may have traits of a leader (Griffin, 2010). Effective leaders were thought to be dynamic, intelligent, dependable, high-achieving individuals (Howell, 1990). Theodory, G. C., and Hadbai, M. (1982). Retesting Fiedlers contingency theory in Islamic schools. Journal of psychology, 111, 15. Howell, J. M. (1990). Substitutes for leadership. Effective alternatives to ineffective leadership. Organizational dynamics, 19(1), 20-38. Griffin, R. W. (2010). Management, tenth edition. South western educational publishing, p. 547, 557.

How do electronic communication devices (cell phones, e-mail, instant messaging, and websites) affect the communication process?

Describe both the advantages and disadvantages of these three devices over traditional communication methods, such as face-to-face conversations, written notes, and phone calls. [Use at least 3 sources] All of the means of communication through electronic devices such as email, instant messaging and cell phones has made it increasingly intrusive to employees as well as employers. Employers are untrusting of employees to protect the interest of the stockholder and employees are not trusting of the employers to respect their privacy as a trusted employee. Employers have several legitimate reasons to monitor employees email use, such as productivity concerns and the employers fiduciary responsibility to stockholders to protect company assets (Friedman, 2007). This trust issue does not stop there when it comes to the vital communication process in doing business. Friedman, B., & Reed, L. (2007). Workplace Privacy: Employee Relations and Legal Implications of Monitoring Employee E-mail Use. Employee Responsibilities & Rights Journal, 19(2), 75-83. doi:10.1007/s10672-007-9035-1 Griffin, Ricky W. (2010). Management, tenth edition. South western educational publishing. Page 589. The biggest single drawback of traditional forms of written is that they inhibit feedback and interchange (Griffin, 2010). Although the use of e-mail is, of course, much faster, both sender and receiver must still have access to a computer or other device and the receiver must open and read the message for it to actually be received (Griffin, 2010). A phone call could settle the whole matter in just a few minutes (Griffin, 2010). There are dire challenges to traditional mail service posed by electronic communication _ be it email, text messages, or online purchasing (Philadelphia Inquirer, 2011). Email and instant message is a great way to send and receive information fast and email has many features that allow the user to edit for accuracy. In the traditional means of communication such as postal, it takes two to three days for a letter to reach its destination. Electronic communications are not only cheaper than traditional direct mail, they also allow users to react more quickly to changes by sending out promotions, almost at the push of a button (Bentley, 2012).

Griffin, Ricky W (2010). Management tenth edition. South western educational publishing. p. 58). Bentley, R. (2012). Mix it up. Caterer and hotel keeper, 26-27. Philadelphia Inquirer (2011). Poison pill for post offices.