Reference no: EM132675993

MGT522 Leadership and communication - University of Alabama

Exploring leadership and communication

Your project asks you to investigate a real tragedy that occurred at the dawn of high adventure expeditions as a tourist business focusing on leadership and communication.

In May 1996 Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, two of the world's most accomplished mountaineers, each led an expedition attempting to reach the top of Mount Everest. Five individuals, including the two leaders, died during the descent from the summit on May 11. It proved to be the deadliest day in the mountain's history. Since then, many survivors and other observers have tried to explain why this tragedy occurred.

Drawing from various first-hand accounts of the tragedy, the case provides a detailed account of the key events that took place in the days leading up to and including the final summit bid. The case describes how Fischer and Hall organized and led these two teams, and it documents the critical decisions that the leaders and their clients made during the climb. Through many of the quotes in the text, readers gain an understanding of the impressions and perceptions of the climbers, including how they felt about many of the critical decisions and incidents during the climb.

You are to interrogate this case focusing on the issues of leadership and communication. Following is a link that presents the movie, ‘Into Thin Air' a docudrama written by Joh Krakaeur, one of the people on the expedition. (It provides insights relevant to your investigation). You are to discuss the case in detail focusing on the ideas covered in this course. (Use your notes, text. Research, Videos)

Into Thin Air: link to Everest disaster tragedy (You tube)
(if stuck type in Into Thin Air search bar)
Upon successful completion of this short case, you should be able to
• differentiate leadership styles (focusing on Goleman's 6) and dimensions
• Understand the importance of communication in leadership relation
• To examine how a leader's character can fuel leadership action i.e. ethical leadership behaviour

Following are some questions to help you focus your research. A GUIDE ONLY

1. Why did this tragedy occur? What is the root cause of this disaster? (FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATION)

2. Are tragedies such as this simply inevitable in a place like Everest? (CAN GROUPS LIKE THIS, CUSTOMERS, EVER BECOME REAL TEAMS REQUIRED FOR THIS ENVIRONEMNT?)

3. What is your evaluation of Scott Fischer and Rob Hall as leaders? Did they make some poor decisions? If so, why? (DISCUSS THEIR LEADERSHIP)

4. What role does communication play in leadership? How was/was not communication successful? i.e. What was wrong or how can the leaders improve it? And what impact might that have on their leadership.

4. What are the lessons from this case for general managers (YOU) in business enterprises? (TAKE AWAYS)

You should include the following.

Introduction that is general and sets the stage for what will be discussed (introduce and help focus on relevant issues - leadership and communication. Secondary decision is your conclusion as to whether these are ethical leaders, or this is an ethical pursuit.
Suggested Format: (This suggested only. You may use whatever format you think will best build your arguments)

• Introduction
• Synthesis of the case
• Exploration of leadership (make sure you describe leadership)
• Communication influence on leadership
• Were these guides, ethical leaders?
• Summation of your investigation and takeaways for you - to improve your leadership
• Conclusion
• References

To complete this case:
Draw on your notes and text, videos, research (Harvard Business Review is appropriate research for this) Some articles will be provided.

Attachment:- Leadership and communication.rar