Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
to transformational. Management theorists have developed many models and theories to explain
effective leadership. McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y and Drucker's management by
objectives are examples of such models that have helped agribusiness managers become more
effective.
Motivating means stimulating employees to act in a specifi c way. Maslow explained
people's basic needs as a hierarchy, and suggested that fulfi llment of these basic needs is
what motivates people. Herzberg pointed out that while some factors motivate people, other
factors, such as money, become part of people's expectations. Such factors, if not main-
tained at expected levels, can lead to dissatisfaction. Vroom postulated that individuals have
a variety of goals and they can be motivated if they believe that there is a positive correlation
between efforts and performance; that favorable performance will result in a reward; that the
reward's value to them can be determined; and that the desire to satisfy the need is strong
enough to make the effort worthwhile.
In the end, there are no fi xed formulas or precise answers on the best way to manage
people. Management is a complex process based on the individual characteristics of the
leader, subordinates, and the situation. But there are many approaches and theories that can
help the agribusiness manager develop a leadership style that results in improved fi rm
performance, content employees, and a satisfi ed management team.
Discussion questions
1. Explain the differences between the formal and informal organizational structure of an
agribusiness.
2. Discuss the span of control principle and what factors infl uence it.
3. Some businesses have a “fl at” organizational structure. What principle is at work in
these fi rms and what advantages does it have?
4. The line organization is one type of organizational structure. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of this type of business set up.
5. Discuss how status in an organization is defi ned and how it affects individuals in the
agribusiness.
6. Authoritarian leadership is one style of leadership—outline the pros and cons of this
style.
7. How does the democratic style of leadership work?
8. Outline the differences in employees as postulated by McGregor's Theory X and Theory
Y, and implications for employee management.
9. Discuss Maslow's needs hierarchy and how an agribusiness manager can utilize this
theory in managing workers.
10. Outline the underlying thoughts behind Vroom's expectancy theory and work through
an example of how a manager might utilize it to motivate employees.
References and additional reading
Bass , Bernard .
Leadership Performance Beyond Expectation
. New York : Free Press . 1985 .
Drucker , Peter .
The Practice of Management
. New York : Harper Paperbacks . 2006 .
Maslow , Abraham .
Toward a Psychology of Being
(Reprint of 1962 edition). Eastford, CT: Martino
Fine Books . 2010 .
