Final answer:
Leadership focuses on relations with people and is associated with transformational practices, whereas instrumental leadership styles have unique focuses. Additionally, understanding various management theories and leadership styles is essential for effectiveness in diverse organizational contexts. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
One often cited difference between leadership and management mentioned in the chapter is that leadership deals with people, while management deals with processes. This distinction largely stems from various theories and research findings in I-O (Industrial-Organizational) psychology.
For instance, transformational leadership, anchored in attributes such as charisma, inspiration, intellectual stimulation, and consideration, aligns leaders closely with the motivational and developmental aspects of following personnel. Contrastingly, transactional leadership—often equated with management—focuses on organizational goals through a system of rewards and punishments and is more process-oriented.
Moreover, studies on gender differences in leadership styles suggest that women are more inclined to employ a transformational approach, emphasizing interpersonal concerns, while men often adopt a transactional style geared toward accomplishing tasks.
Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of leadership styles and functions, including democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-faire leaders, along with assessing the implications of these styles in practical settings such as the workplace, social groups, or sports teams, is critical for effective leadership and management within organizations. The correct option is B.