UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2012/2013
THIRD YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 3101 LEADERSHIP AND TEAM BUILDING
DATE: DECEMBER, 2012 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE and any other TWO
QUESTION ONE
As the baby boomer generation nears retirement, many Boomers are mentoring their
future work replacements Generation Xs. Some Boomers have found the process
difficult. William Slater, a 47-year-old computer engineer who participated in his
company’s formal mentoring program, has had negative experiences with three protégés.
He recalls that one tried, unsuccessfully, to take his job, while another repeatedly spoke
badly about him to his boss. “I have an ax to grind with Generation X. They’re stabbing
aging Baby Boomers in the back,” says Slater.
Given that some studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of mentoring on
employees outcome such as performance, job satisfaction and employee retention, many
analysts are concerned that baby boomer are failing to see mentoring as a responsibility.
According to a study by Menttium Corporation, a firm that aid companies in installing
mentoring programs, almost 90% of formal mentoring relationship end prematurely. The
primary reason includes poor matching of mentors to protégés and lack of effort to keep
the relationship going.
a) What factor do you believe lead to successful mentoring programs? [6 Marks]
b) In what ways might a protégé benefit from having a mentor? In what way mentor
benefit from having a protégé? [8 Marks]
c) What type of leaders, in terms of personality traits and behavioral tendencies,
would most likely be good mentors? [10 Marks]
d) Discuss two types of motivation theories. [6 Marks]
QUESTION TWO
a) Briefly explain how personal power contributes to an influential leader. [3 Marks]
b) Give reasons why politicians are regarded as powerful. [3 Marks]
c) Discuss the types of power that can exist in any organization giving illustrations
on how they can be achieved [14 Marks]
QUESTION THREE
a) Discuss how team-building activities such as mountain climbing increase
productivity. [6 Marks]
b) Describe any three types of teams [9 Marks]
c) Briefly explain 360 degree feed back. [5 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
Vivek has only four employees at his public relations firm –media front. But he seems to
have done a pretty good job of alienating them.
According to his employees, Vivek, 47, is a brilliant guy who has a lot to learn in terms
of being a better communicator. His communication style appears to be a regular source
of conflict in his firm. Vivek admits he has a problem. ”I am probably not verbally
reinforcing [as I could be] when someone is doing a good job. I’m a very self-confident
person. I don’t need to be told I am, doing a good job-but there people who do.”
Vivek’s employees had no problem listing off things that he does that bother them. He
doesn’t meet deadlines; he does a poor job of communicating with clients (which often
puts the employees in an uncomfortable position);he doesn’t listen fully to employee
ideas before dismissing them; his voice tone is frequently condescending; and he’s often
quick to criticize employees and is stingy with praise.
a) According to the above Case what is the problem in this organization. [2 Marks]
b) What does this case suggest regarding the relationship between reinforcement and
communication? [10 Marks]
c) What can Vivek do to improve the situation? [8 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
a) Using appropriate examples, discuss how coalition can be used as a tool for
achieving influence. [5 Marks]
b) Explain the factors a leader should consider while planning a message in order to
achieve communication effectiveness [10 Marks]
c) Explain any four characteristics of transformational leadership. [5 Marks]
