Another new assignment - Essay Example

Arnold_Schwarzenegger: Leader of California What words would you use to describe Arnold Schwarzenegger"s personality? Do any of these fit into the Big Five taxonomy of personality? How might these personality traits influence Schwarzeneggers leadership skills? How might these traits have helped Schwarzenegger get to where he is now?Arnold Schwarzenegger can be described using the following words: charismatic, approachable, extrovert, confident, goal-oriented, agreeable, conscientious, focused, driven, determined, not easily dissuaded, hardworking, dependable, reliable, careful, thorough, organized, persistent and achievement oriented, among others.

According to the Big Five Taxonomy of personality, Arnold fits in the categories of extroversion (being an extrovert), highly agreeable and highly conscientious. People exhibiting these personality traits are proven to have high job performance in most, if not all occupations, and endeavors (in Arnold’s case). They conform to exhibiting enhanced leadership style, as well as higher job and life satisfaction. This can be exemplified by the number of times he set his mind and heart to pursue clearly defined goals and was able to reach or attain these goals (as a bodybuilder, an actor, and now, a governor).

His personality traits such as his being goal-oriented, focused, driven, hardworking, thorough, organized, persistent and achievement oriented exemplifyleadership skills which are skewed towards concern for tasks more than concern for people. These traits, especially, his clear vision of how he wants to improve things (goal and achievement oriented) as well as his charismatic personality (conscientious, agreeable and being an extrovert) gave him the drive, determination and inner strength to get to where he is now.

Arnold is also exhibiting a proactive personality which identifies opportunities, show initiative, take action and persevere until meaningful changes occur. Actually, his childhood experience of being treated harshly by his parents provided the impetus for him to strive and leave the environment where he experienced hardships. This experience challenged Arnold to go beyond his dreams and expectations in life.2. Based on the case, as governor of California, what types of power is Schwarzenegger likely to have?

What types of influence tactics does Schwarzenegger appear to use?As governor, Arnold is already exhibiting Machiavellian style in his desire to win his constituents and persuade others to conform to his reforms and economic plans. He employs both referent powers, which is based on his charisma. With referent power comes personal power due to his sources of potential influences. In the case, it was stipulated that due to his being an actor, he was able to form a network of powerful friends and advisors, who he constantly seeks advice from.

As the governor, Arnold utilizes a variety of influence tactics depending on who his target market is. He uses inspirational appeals, humor injected in his speeches, rational persuasion in trying to pass a bill or his proposed budget, and of course, consultation in much needed areas such as consulting with his ally, the economist Milton Friedman, to assist him in improving the economy of California.3. How would you describe Schwarzeneggers leadership style using the leadership theories covered in this textbook?

What detail of the case lead you to these conclusions? Is Schwarzeneggers leadership style likely to be effective? Why or why not?First and foremost, Arnold exhibits a charismatic leadership style by conforming to the following characteristics: acknowledges the importance of a vision, being articulate, willing to undergo personal risks to achieve the vision, and sometimes exhibit unconventional behavior. He can also be considered a transformational leader in his quest to inspire followers to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the local government.

His leadership skills are skewed towards concern for tasks more than concern for people as shown in his being goal-oriented, focused, driven, hardworking, thorough, organized, persistent and achievement oriented. This is shown in his agenda of pursuing economic reforms for California in terms of cost cutting measures, passing a bill overhauling workers’ compensation and expressing ideas which were considered abhorrent to teachers.Based on case facts and the theories of leadership we learned in this module, it is my conviction that Arnold’s leadership style would be effective in achieving goals for California.

However, his utilization of unconventional ideas and behavior solicits negative responses in specific groups (teachers, workers’ whose compensation were overhauled). In addition, he exhibited tendencies of giving conflicting promises to parties on state and local budget linkages which resulted in his original budget proposal to be put on hold. This simply means that there are possibilities that his consultation tactic could have accorded him conflicting views of economic reforms which confused his agenda and therefore also confused his delivery of proposed plans.

As long as he continues to utilize his strong personality traits and utilize appropriate influence tactics and leadership styles conforming to the personalities and characteristics of his subordinates and the situation at hand, Arnold would be an instrumental leader who would reform and lead California into a better future.Works CitedB. Morris, A. Gil, P. leering, and O. Ryan, "Arnold Power," Fortune, August 9, 2004, 77-87; and R. Grover and A. Bernstein, "Arnold Gets Strict with the Teacher ," BusinessWeek,May 2, 2005, 84-85.

Robbins, S.P. and Judge, T.A. Organizational Behavior. 13th edition. /