Reference no: EM132347299

Assignment: Introduction: This case study featured in your textbook will allow you to apply the concepts you have learned regarding contemporary leadership approaches and power dynamics to the situation that Annie is currently experiencing in her position.

Directions: Please make sure to read all your assigned readings to help you with this assignment.

Read the following case study:

Annie has worked in the State Department of Wildlife Purchasing for 6 years. One year ago, when Annie completed her Master's degree, she was thrilled when the director of purchasing, Esther, offered her a promotion to one of four supervisor positions in the agency. Esther had told Annie, "You have really proved yourself to be invaluable to our organization, and I hope this promotion signals our belief in your leadership potential." Annie was understandably flattered, and despite other opportunities, she accepted the new position.

A few months later, Annie was wondering if she had done the right thing. While Esther was the director of the agency, her assistant director, Peter, managed day-to-day operations. When Annie had first joined the organization, Peter had been her mentor, helping her learn the policies and routines, and kindly encouraging her when her confidence flagged.

Unfortunately, now that Annie was a supervisor, Peter was continuing to treat her as his young protégé and markedly different than the other three supervisors in the office. He would routinely go to other supervisors, even when the issue at hand primarily involved Annie's area of responsibility. When she made recommendations and suggestions in meetings, he would smile at her but only engage in serious discussion with others who were present. When she tried to get an entirely justifiable pay increase for one of her employees, Peter dismissed her without listening to her argument. Her employees have started to increasingly question her effectiveness and have largely stopped coming to her with issues, choosing instead to go to people outside the unit with their problems and questions or even directly to Peter. Yesterday, Peter reassigned one of her employees to a project without consulting her.

Now Annie is angry, frustrated, and very much wanting to be treated equally to others at her rank. She is concerned that, as the situation stands, she lacks the power and political clout to accomplish her new responsibilities effectively and well.

After reviewing your required readings/resources, answer the following questions:

1. Our textbook describes the five categories of sources or bases of power as: legitimate, reward, coercive, referent and expert power. What sources of power do you see evident in the case of Annie? Refer to specific examples from the case study to support your stance.

2. While this case clearly involves power relationships, what other factors are contributing to Annie's problems? Which of these factors can Annie successfully change or influence and how can she do so?

3. Of the following contemporary approaches to leadership: transformational, values-based, shared/collaborative, and positive, what approach would you advise Annie to take in her current leadership position? Why would you recommend this approach?

4. Annie's place of employment with the State Department of Wildlife Purchasing is a public (not for profit) agency. How would you define the relationship between power and public leadership? How does this differ from power and leadership within private and for profit organizations?