Consideration

Definition

Consideration refers to the extent to which leaders demonstrate concern and care for their team members’ feelings, needs, and well-being. This involves creating supportive relationships that encourage open communication and trust, allowing for a collaborative and positive work environment. Consideration is a key aspect of behavioral theories as it focuses on the interpersonal relationships that leaders build within organizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consideration is often contrasted with initiating structure, which focuses on task-oriented behaviors rather than interpersonal relationships.
2. Leaders who display high levels of consideration tend to create a more loyal and motivated workforce, enhancing team morale.
3. Consideration can lead to improved employee satisfaction and retention rates, as employees feel valued and understood.
4. Effective consideration involves active listening, providing support, and recognizing individual contributions within a team setting.
5. Organizations that prioritize consideration in leadership practices often experience better overall performance due to increased collaboration and teamwork.

Review Questions

• How does consideration influence employee engagement in an organization?
  • Consideration significantly boosts employee engagement by fostering an environment where team members feel valued and understood. When leaders show genuine care for their employees' well-being, it cultivates trust and encourages open communication. This positive relationship between leaders and employees leads to higher morale, increased motivation, and a greater willingness to contribute actively to the organization’s goals.
• In what ways can a leader demonstrate high levels of consideration in their management style?
  • A leader can demonstrate high levels of consideration by actively listening to team members' concerns, providing feedback, recognizing individual achievements, and offering support during challenging times. Creating an inclusive atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas enhances collaboration. Additionally, leaders should regularly check in with their teams to ensure their needs are being met, showing that they care about both professional and personal development.
• Evaluate the impact of consideration on organizational culture and performance over time.
  • Consideration plays a critical role in shaping an organization's culture by establishing norms of respect, support, and collaboration among team members. Over time, when leaders consistently prioritize consideration, it fosters a strong sense of community and belonging within the workplace. This cultural foundation enhances overall performance as employees are more engaged, motivated, and willing to go above and beyond for the organization. As a result, organizations with high levels of consideration often see improved productivity, lower turnover rates, and a more positive reputation in their industry.

Related terms

Employee Engagement:

The emotional commitment that employees have towards their organization, which influences their performance and willingness to contribute to the company’s success.

Transformational Leadership: A leadership style that inspires and motivates followers to exceed their own self-interests for the good of the organization, often characterized by strong emotional connections.

Emotional Intelligence:

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others, which is crucial for effective leadership and fostering strong team dynamics.