CASE STUDY

Case Study: Josh Martin Tom Saunders

Case Study: Josh Martin Tom Saunders

Introduction

Effective leadership practices can greatly contribute in increasing organizational outcomes. There is a growing concern among the corporate and business leaders to understand the nature and practice of effective leadership styles. In the autocratic leadership style, the leader essentially has absolute power. This style of leadership is often used in operational settings like emergency and military services (Martineau 2004). This style provides little opportunity for suggestions or input from subordinates. Outside the emergency scene, and even on occasion at the emergency scene, people will balk at this approach. In EMS, overuse or inappropriate use of the autocratic approach could lead to poor morale, absenteeism, and high turnover. It is important to remember that EMS personnel are professionals (McCauley & Velsor 2003).

Discussion

The leadership techniques exuded by the two managers are quite different styles. Josh Martin uses a democratic method to his management practice, using referent and expert power, to not only gain the respect and admiration of his employees, but to succeed within the agency and in turn, help the company thrive in its industry. This can be seen not only in Josh's 20 years of service, but in comments by his employees such as Phil Jones when he states. As a result on conflicting leadership styles, conflict within the organisation is evident. Conflicting views are resulting in escalating tensions between colleagues, especially Martin and Saunders. Most organisations share some degree of tension or conflict within the workplace. “Conflict is normal and inevitable. It's a natural by-product of collective life.(Bolman & Deal 2008 p206). It is how this conflict is managed that is of interest. Poorly managed conflict can lead to infighting but well handled conflict can stimulate innovation and creativity (Kotter 1985). Currently the existing conflict is being poorly managed and as a result, a number of micro problems have occurred. The company has provided sufficient motivators over the years for employees (such as Josh Martin) to be satisfied with his job. Below is the analysis of Martin's motivational factors as identified by Herzberg (1987).

Leaders who have built their businesses on a hierarchical management based on an autocratic approach are now realizing the importance of the democratic method. Both leadership styles, autocratic and democratic, can be effective and at the same time highly ineffective [Stephen Xavier:2005:1]. With both styles of management being used within the agency it can be assumed that they are conflicting, but teams require a variety of skills, knowledge, research and experience. Research supports this idea, showing that diverse teams produce more innovative solutions to problems. Diversity in terms of functional areas and skills, thinking styles, and personal characteristics are often a source of creativity. In addition, diversity may contribute to a healthy level of disagreement that leads to better decision making [Samson and Daft:2009:674]. That said, having the both leadership styles being incorporated into the management of the business, with each manager emitting their own personal traits, if the pair is able to sort ...