,NSG 321 Advanced Leadership and Management
Exam Prep — Comprehensive Review + Practice
MCQs — Herzing University 2026/2027
SECTION 1: LEADERSHIP THEORIES AND STYLES (Questions 1–25)
1. A nurse manager encourages staff members to participate in decisions and openly share ideas before
making a final decision. Which leadership style is being demonstrated?
A. Autocratic
B. Democratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Transactional
Correct Answer: B — Democratic
Rationale: A democratic leader involves staff in decision-making and values their input. An autocratic leader (A)
makes decisions independently. A laissez-faire leader (C) provides minimal direction and allows staff to make
their own decisions. A transactional leader (D) focuses on rewards and punishments for performance.
2. A nurse manager makes decisions independently and then informs staff of the decisions without seeking
input. Which leadership style is being demonstrated?
A. Democratic
B. Autocratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Transformational
,Correct Answer: B — Autocratic
Rationale: An autocratic leader retains decision-making authority and does not involve staff in the process. A
democratic leader (A) seeks input. A laissez-faire leader (C) provides little direction. A transformational leader
(D) inspires and motivates staff toward a shared vision.
3. A nurse leader allows staff to make decisions and determine their own workflow with minimal interference.
Which leadership style is being demonstrated?
A. Laissez-faire
B. Autocratic
C. Democratic
D. Transactional
Correct Answer: A — Laissez-faire
Rationale: A laissez-faire leader takes a hands-off approach, allowing staff autonomy in decision-making and
workflow. An autocratic leader (B) retains control. A democratic leader (C) involves staff but retains final
decision-making. A transactional leader (D) focuses on exchanges and rewards.
4. A nurse leader inspires staff by articulating a compelling vision, encouraging innovation, and stimulating
intellectual growth. Which leadership theory best describes this approach?
A. Trait theory
B. Transformational leadership
C. Transactional leadership
, D. Situational leadership
Correct Answer: B — Transformational leadership
Rationale: Transformational leadership focuses on inspiration, motivation, intellectual stimulation, and
individualized consideration. Trait theory (A) proposes that leaders possess innate characteristics. Transactional
leadership (C) focuses on exchanges and rewards. Situational leadership (D) adapts style based on follower
readiness.
5. According to trait theory, what is the primary basis for effective leadership?
A. The situation and context
B. Innate personality characteristics and traits
C. The exchange between leader and follower
D. The leader's ability to adapt to follower maturity
Correct Answer: B — Innate personality characteristics and traits
Rationale: Trait theory proposes that certain innate traits (e.g., intelligence, confidence, determination) are
essential for effective leadership. Situation and context (A) are central to situational leadership. Exchange
between leader and follower (C) describes transactional leadership. Adapting to follower maturity (D) is a
component of situational leadership.
6. A nurse manager uses a reward system to motivate staff, providing bonuses for meeting quality metrics and
implementing consequences for missed targets. Which leadership approach is this?
A. Transformational
Exam Prep — Comprehensive Review + Practice
MCQs — Herzing University 2026/2027
SECTION 1: LEADERSHIP THEORIES AND STYLES (Questions 1–25)
1. A nurse manager encourages staff members to participate in decisions and openly share ideas before
making a final decision. Which leadership style is being demonstrated?
A. Autocratic
B. Democratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Transactional
Correct Answer: B — Democratic
Rationale: A democratic leader involves staff in decision-making and values their input. An autocratic leader (A)
makes decisions independently. A laissez-faire leader (C) provides minimal direction and allows staff to make
their own decisions. A transactional leader (D) focuses on rewards and punishments for performance.
2. A nurse manager makes decisions independently and then informs staff of the decisions without seeking
input. Which leadership style is being demonstrated?
A. Democratic
B. Autocratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Transformational
,Correct Answer: B — Autocratic
Rationale: An autocratic leader retains decision-making authority and does not involve staff in the process. A
democratic leader (A) seeks input. A laissez-faire leader (C) provides little direction. A transformational leader
(D) inspires and motivates staff toward a shared vision.
3. A nurse leader allows staff to make decisions and determine their own workflow with minimal interference.
Which leadership style is being demonstrated?
A. Laissez-faire
B. Autocratic
C. Democratic
D. Transactional
Correct Answer: A — Laissez-faire
Rationale: A laissez-faire leader takes a hands-off approach, allowing staff autonomy in decision-making and
workflow. An autocratic leader (B) retains control. A democratic leader (C) involves staff but retains final
decision-making. A transactional leader (D) focuses on exchanges and rewards.
4. A nurse leader inspires staff by articulating a compelling vision, encouraging innovation, and stimulating
intellectual growth. Which leadership theory best describes this approach?
A. Trait theory
B. Transformational leadership
C. Transactional leadership
, D. Situational leadership
Correct Answer: B — Transformational leadership
Rationale: Transformational leadership focuses on inspiration, motivation, intellectual stimulation, and
individualized consideration. Trait theory (A) proposes that leaders possess innate characteristics. Transactional
leadership (C) focuses on exchanges and rewards. Situational leadership (D) adapts style based on follower
readiness.
5. According to trait theory, what is the primary basis for effective leadership?
A. The situation and context
B. Innate personality characteristics and traits
C. The exchange between leader and follower
D. The leader's ability to adapt to follower maturity
Correct Answer: B — Innate personality characteristics and traits
Rationale: Trait theory proposes that certain innate traits (e.g., intelligence, confidence, determination) are
essential for effective leadership. Situation and context (A) are central to situational leadership. Exchange
between leader and follower (C) describes transactional leadership. Adapting to follower maturity (D) is a
component of situational leadership.
6. A nurse manager uses a reward system to motivate staff, providing bonuses for meeting quality metrics and
implementing consequences for missed targets. Which leadership approach is this?
A. Transformational
