QUESTION 1 (50 Marks)

You have been funded by an organisation to carry out an empirical study on how leadership styles affect job satisfaction in the organisation. Taking this as the point of departure, answer the following questions:

a) Problematise the study and develop 2 objectives or questions. (5 marks)

b) Identify a relevant theory to underpin the study, highlighting the main assumptions, as well as how this theory is relevant for this study.

c) Based on your objectives or questions, explain in full, the methodological steps that you would implement to investigate the situation. (20marks)

Remember to justify your response.

d) Based on your methodological choice, explain how you would ensure the validity and reliability of your study.
(10 marks)

QUESTION 2 (25 Marks)

a) “A single perception of reality does not exist. There is no explicit ‘condition’ or ‘situation’ that everyone interprets as universal reality”. (Jonker & Pennink, 2010: 3)

Discuss the above assertion in the context of the main paradigmatic stances of research.
(15 marks)

b) Theorising and conceptualising are somehow confusing constructs in research. In your own understanding. (10 marks)

Provide a detaled explaination of these two (what do they mean), highlighting their significance in undertaking research.

QUESTION 3 (25 Marks)

a) Compare and contrast research methodology and methods (5 marks)

b) Identify and characterise the three main research approaches, paying attention to their applicability/ their purpose in research. (15 marks)

c) Explain ethnography as a data collection method. In doing so, clearly indicate its main advantages.

Answers to Above Case Study Questions on Leadership

Answer 1: The leadership styles followed by the leader have a direct implication on the job satisfaction of employees within the organisation. It is the leadership style that creates an environment within the workplace and guides the employees to adapt necessary behaviour in order to address the environmental requirements. In this context, the two important objectives as a basis of doing the study are indicated below: