Final answer:
Top management requires strong conceptual skills to visualize the company as a whole and make strategic decisions. Expressive leaders, such as a director of a summer camp for chronically ill children, prioritize group harmony and member well-being, offering supportive and caring leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the top management level, conceptual skills are most important. Conceptual skills involve the ability to visualize the organization as a whole, understand how various parts of the company relate to each other, and predict how changes in one part of the company will affect the rest. These skills are vital for top-level executives who must think strategically and make decisions that align with the company's long-term goals. In contrast, the first-line supervisors and operational employees typically need strong technical skills to handle daily tasks effectively, while middle management benefits from a balance of technical, human, and conceptual skills.
The question of who is more likely to be an expressive leader is contextual. An expressive leader is primarily concerned with maintaining good relations within the group and ensuring the well-being of its members. Given the nature of the roles, a sales manager of a fast-growing cosmetics company or a manager at a fast-food restaurant may not be primarily focused on these aspects, as their roles likely emphasize task accomplishments and reaching sales targets. Conversely, the director of a summer camp for chronically ill children is likely to be in a role that requires a strong emphasis on supportive, caring, and expressive leadership characteristics to ensure both the emotional and physical well-being of the campers.