Final answer:
A team leader at Camper Brand Shoes would be responsible primarily for planning. This involves managing design processes and merging team expertise to create cohesive shoe designs. Leadership style could vary from democratic to laissez-faire or authoritarian, depending on how the leader manages the team.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the responsibilities of a team leader within a shoe design team at Camper Brand Shoes. The CEO expects the designers to operate as a team, leveraging each person's unique expertise. The leader in such a team setup would likely take on several roles, but based on the provided context, the primary responsibility mentioned here would be the planning aspect, which is critical in a collaborative and creative environment. A leader must plan the design process, incorporate member inputs, and guide the team towards a cohesive product outcome.
In the context of leadership styles, it is also useful to note that different leaders may approach their role in distinct ways. Sociological research highlights three main styles: democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian. In a democratic leadership style, the leader encourages group participation and consensus building, whereas a laissez-faire leader allows for a more autonomous approach among team members. An authoritarian leader, on the other hand, directs the team towards goals more rigidly with clear instructions and defined roles.