HED4812 January/February Supplementary Exam Memo | Due January/February 2026 | Contemporary Approaches to Educational Leadership (UNISA)

• HED4812 January/February Supplementary
Exam Memo | Due January/February 2026 |
Contemporary Approaches to Educational
Leadership (UNISA)
Question 1:
What is a primary characteristic of transformational leadership in educational
settings?
• A) Strict adherence to rules
• B) Focus on follower development
• C) Inflexibility in decision-making
• D) Emphasis on maintaining the status quo
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Transformational leadership emphasizes inspiring and developing followers,
fostering their personal and professional growth.


Question 2:
Which theory suggests that effective leadership is contingent on the situation and
context?
• A) Trait Theory
• B) Behavioral Theory
• C) Contingency Theory
• D) Servant Leadership
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Contingency Theory posits that the effectiveness of leadership is dependent
on situational factors, requiring different styles depending on the context.


Question 3:
In the context of distributed leadership, responsibilities and decision-making are:
• A) Centralized among top administrators
• B) Shared among all members of the organization
• C) Solely the duty of teachers
• D) Only applicable to school boards

,Correct Option: B
Rationale: Distributed leadership involves sharing responsibilities across various
individuals in the educational organization, enhancing collaboration and
empowerment.


Question 4:
Which of the following is a core component of servant leadership?
• A) Power and authority
• B) Service to others
• C) Control over subordinates
• D) Competition among staff
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Servant leadership prioritizes serving others, focusing on the needs of staff
and students to facilitate their growth and success.


Question 5:
What role does emotional intelligence play in educational leadership?
• A) It is irrelevant to leadership success.
• B) It helps leaders manage stress and make rational decisions.
• C) It only affects personal relationships.
• D) It diminishes authority among staff.
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Emotional intelligence is crucial for leaders as it enables them to
understand and manage their own emotions and those of others, leading to better
decision-making and a positive school climate.
Question 6:
Which leadership style encourages teacher autonomy and decision-making?
• A) Autocratic Leadership
• B) Democratic Leadership
• C) Transformational Leadership
• D) Laissez-faire Leadership

, Correct Option: B
Rationale: Democratic leadership fosters collaboration and encourages teachers to
participate in decision-making processes, promoting autonomy.


Question 7:
Which of the following best describes a key principle of collaborative leadership?
• A) Sole reliance on the leader's vision
• B) Involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making
• C) Isolation of teachers
• D) Emphasis on standardized testing only
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Collaborative leadership emphasizes the importance of involving all
stakeholders, including teachers and parents, in the decision-making process.


Question 8:
What is the primary focus of ethical leadership?
• A) Maintaining authority
• B) Following regulations
• C) Promoting fairness and integrity
• D) Achieving personal goals
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Ethical leadership centers on fairness and integrity, ensuring that decisions
are made with moral considerations in mind.


Question 9:
Which approach to leadership focuses on fostering a positive school culture?
• A) Transactional Leadership
• B) Transformational Leadership
• C) Autocratic Leadership
• D) Bureaucratic Leadership