ACCA · Question 50 · Syllabus D: Leadership and management
Section B (Syllabus D)
Scenario: 'Project Horizon' is a failing public infrastructure project. The team is severely demotivated, missing deadlines, and constantly arguing. A new Project Director, Sarah, is appointed. She immediately implements a strict autocratic leadership style to force compliance and hit short-term deadlines. She also introduces a piece-rate bonus system (more money for faster work) based on Taylor's scientific management principles. However, she ignores the team's complaints about unsafe working conditions.
Based on the scenario and your knowledge of leadership and management (Syllabus D), select the FOUR correct statements.
Answer options:
Sarah's autocratic style aligns with McGregor's Theory X view of management, assuming workers need to be controlled and coerced.
According to Maslow, ignoring unsafe working conditions means the team's basic Safety needs are not being met, preventing higher-level motivation.
The piece-rate bonus system relies on the assumption that employees are primarily motivated by financial reward (Economic Man theory).
In the Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid, Sarah is currently exhibiting a 'Task Management' (9,1) style.
Sarah's approach perfectly balances Adair's three circles: Task, Team, and Individual.
According to Herzberg, the piece-rate bonus will act as a powerful long-term Motivator factor.
52 questions · hints · full answers · grading
Expert