, Introduction
This assessment critically examines key managerial and organisational psychology
concepts through the lens of the Ubuntu Bank case study. The case centres on Martin
Bila, a newly promoted executive tasked with leading a merger, whose leadership
approach raises important questions about charismatic leadership, ethical behaviour,
organisational redesign, diversity management, and the potential role of artificial
intelligence in leadership coaching. The assessment is structured into two sections.
Section A comprises four essay questions that require the application of theoretical
frameworks from the prescribed textbook (Luthans, Luthans, & Luthans, 2015) to the
case study. These questions address the identification of Martin's leadership theory
and its ethical dimensions, the application of horizontal organisation design principles,
individual approaches to managing diversity, and a critical evaluation of AI-assisted
coaching. Section B consists of five multiple-choice questions that test comprehension
of diversity, motivational theories, personality traits, positive emotions, and emotional
intelligence. Together, these questions assess the ability to integrate theory with
practical organisational scenarios at a master's level.
SECTION A
1.1: Identification of the Modern Leadership Theory
The modern leadership theory applied by Martin Bila is charismatic leadership.
According to the prescribed textbook (Luthans, Luthans, & Luthans, 2015), charismatic
leadership is a modern theoretical process where leaders, by the force of their
personal abilities, are capable of having profound and extraordinary effects on
followers. The theory posits that charismatic leaders are characterised by self-
confidence, high expectations for associates, an ideological vision, and the use of
personal example. Followers of such leaders identify with the leader and the mission,
exhibit extreme loyalty, and emulate the leader’s values and behaviour.
In the case study, Martin Bila’s promotion was partly due to his “strong confidence and
the impact he had on subordinates to perform and exceed targets.” This demonstrates
the charismatic leader’s ability to inspire and motivate followers to achieve
extraordinary performance. Furthermore, he “dictated his vision of the merger from a
self-interested perspective through one-way communication,” which aligns with the
charismatic leader’s tendency to promote their own personal vision and use one-way
This assessment critically examines key managerial and organisational psychology
concepts through the lens of the Ubuntu Bank case study. The case centres on Martin
Bila, a newly promoted executive tasked with leading a merger, whose leadership
approach raises important questions about charismatic leadership, ethical behaviour,
organisational redesign, diversity management, and the potential role of artificial
intelligence in leadership coaching. The assessment is structured into two sections.
Section A comprises four essay questions that require the application of theoretical
frameworks from the prescribed textbook (Luthans, Luthans, & Luthans, 2015) to the
case study. These questions address the identification of Martin's leadership theory
and its ethical dimensions, the application of horizontal organisation design principles,
individual approaches to managing diversity, and a critical evaluation of AI-assisted
coaching. Section B consists of five multiple-choice questions that test comprehension
of diversity, motivational theories, personality traits, positive emotions, and emotional
intelligence. Together, these questions assess the ability to integrate theory with
practical organisational scenarios at a master's level.
SECTION A
1.1: Identification of the Modern Leadership Theory
The modern leadership theory applied by Martin Bila is charismatic leadership.
According to the prescribed textbook (Luthans, Luthans, & Luthans, 2015), charismatic
leadership is a modern theoretical process where leaders, by the force of their
personal abilities, are capable of having profound and extraordinary effects on
followers. The theory posits that charismatic leaders are characterised by self-
confidence, high expectations for associates, an ideological vision, and the use of
personal example. Followers of such leaders identify with the leader and the mission,
exhibit extreme loyalty, and emulate the leader’s values and behaviour.
In the case study, Martin Bila’s promotion was partly due to his “strong confidence and
the impact he had on subordinates to perform and exceed targets.” This demonstrates
the charismatic leader’s ability to inspire and motivate followers to achieve
extraordinary performance. Furthermore, he “dictated his vision of the merger from a
self-interested perspective through one-way communication,” which aligns with the
charismatic leader’s tendency to promote their own personal vision and use one-way
