BCOM4300 Unit One Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
What is leadership? - Correct answer-a mutual influence process involving both
leaders and followers. many different definitions!
What are the six different conceptualizations of leadership and their differences? -
Correct answer-Trait: see leadership as a natural aspect. innate quality, gift. not
able to learn
Ability: both natural and acquired, falls between trait and skill
Skill: can be studied and learned
Behavior: observable and require two behaviors: task and process
Relationship: collaboration between leaders and followers, interactive, ethical of
including followers' interests
Influence process: influence to achieve a common goal, between leaders and
followers, ethical dimension
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,What is the difference between an approach and a theory in leadership
communication research? Why does the distinction matter? - Correct answer-
Approach: a general way of thinking about a phenomenon, not necessarily based
on empirical research
Theory: includes a set of hypotheses, principles, or laws that explain a given
phenomenon
Theories are more refines and can provide a predictive framework in analyzing the
phenomenon
How does leadership connect to communication? - Correct answer-1) Leaders use
symbols to create reality
2) Leaders communicate about the past, present, and future
3) Leaders make conscious use of symbols to reach their goals
What's the difference between leadership and management? - Correct answer-Both
involve influence
Management is about establishing order
Leadership is about seeking constructive change
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, What does the trait approach focus on? How does this make it different from other
approaches? - Correct answer-Primarily looks at how traits impact performance
and the perceptions of effectiveness.
focus is on the leader, more straightforward than other approaches, leadership
hinges on a certain set of traits. other approaches can focus on more physical traits.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the trait approach? - Correct answer-
Strengths: intuitively appealing, loads of research, focus on the leaders, provides
benchmarks for what to look for in leaders
Weaknesses: no definitive trait list, doesn't consider situations, highly subjective
list of "important" traits, doesn't look at outcomes, not useful for
training/development
What are the six key traits of successful leaders? Be able to identify them in
examples. - Correct answer-Intelligence, Confidence, Charisma, Determination,
Sociability, and Integrity
CICDIS
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
Questions and Answers
What is leadership? - Correct answer-a mutual influence process involving both
leaders and followers. many different definitions!
What are the six different conceptualizations of leadership and their differences? -
Correct answer-Trait: see leadership as a natural aspect. innate quality, gift. not
able to learn
Ability: both natural and acquired, falls between trait and skill
Skill: can be studied and learned
Behavior: observable and require two behaviors: task and process
Relationship: collaboration between leaders and followers, interactive, ethical of
including followers' interests
Influence process: influence to achieve a common goal, between leaders and
followers, ethical dimension
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,What is the difference between an approach and a theory in leadership
communication research? Why does the distinction matter? - Correct answer-
Approach: a general way of thinking about a phenomenon, not necessarily based
on empirical research
Theory: includes a set of hypotheses, principles, or laws that explain a given
phenomenon
Theories are more refines and can provide a predictive framework in analyzing the
phenomenon
How does leadership connect to communication? - Correct answer-1) Leaders use
symbols to create reality
2) Leaders communicate about the past, present, and future
3) Leaders make conscious use of symbols to reach their goals
What's the difference between leadership and management? - Correct answer-Both
involve influence
Management is about establishing order
Leadership is about seeking constructive change
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, What does the trait approach focus on? How does this make it different from other
approaches? - Correct answer-Primarily looks at how traits impact performance
and the perceptions of effectiveness.
focus is on the leader, more straightforward than other approaches, leadership
hinges on a certain set of traits. other approaches can focus on more physical traits.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the trait approach? - Correct answer-
Strengths: intuitively appealing, loads of research, focus on the leaders, provides
benchmarks for what to look for in leaders
Weaknesses: no definitive trait list, doesn't consider situations, highly subjective
list of "important" traits, doesn't look at outcomes, not useful for
training/development
What are the six key traits of successful leaders? Be able to identify them in
examples. - Correct answer-Intelligence, Confidence, Charisma, Determination,
Sociability, and Integrity
CICDIS
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
