Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which three interrelated variables did Adair identify as influencing leadership effectiveness?

1. Task needs, group needs, individual needs

2. Communication needs, team dynamics, resource allocation

3. Goals, motivation, feedback

4. Planning, organizing, controlling

The correct answer is: Task needs, group needs, individual needs

Adair identified three interrelated variables as crucial to leadership effectiveness: task needs, group needs, and individual needs. These components form a comprehensive framework for understanding the responsibilities of a leader. Task needs refer to the requirements necessary to achieve specific objectives or goals. Effective leaders ensure that these tasks are clearly defined and that the team understands what is expected of them. This clarity helps in prioritizing efforts and resources towards accomplishing the defined objectives. Group needs encompass the dynamics of the team. This includes fostering collaboration, cohesion, and a supportive team environment. A leader must be attuned to the interpersonal aspects of the group, ensuring that relationships are managed positively and effectively to promote teamwork. This is essential for maximizing performance and harnessing the collective skills of the group. Individual needs focus on the personal motivations and aspirations of team members. Effective leadership entails recognizing and addressing these needs, such as providing opportunities for personal development and alignment of individual goals with those of the organization. Leaders who attend to individual needs can inspire greater loyalty and motivation among team members, ultimately enhancing performance. This approach underscores the balance that leaders must maintain among these three dimensions to optimize leadership effectiveness, thereby ensuring the successful execution of tasks while fostering a healthy team and addressing individual aspirations. Each of the other options