FOREIGN TRADE UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF BUSINESS ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 2 A. Rationale of study...................................................................................................................2 B. Research’s objectives..............................................................................................................2 C. Research’s objects ..................................................................................................................3 D. Research methods...................................................................................................................3 E. Structure of the report ...........................................................................................................3 SECTION 1: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ....................................................................... 4 1.1. Definition ................................................................................................................................4 1.2. Types of power ........................................................................................................................4 1.2.1. Coercive power ............................................................................................................................4 1.2.2. Reward power ..............................................................................................................................4 1.2.3. Legitimate power..........................................................................................................................4 1.2.4. Expert power ................................................................................................................................5 1.2.5. Referent power .............................................................................................................................5 1.3. Leadership approaches............................................................................................................5 1.3.1. Trait Approaches..........................................................................................................................6 1.3.2. Skill Approaches...........................................................................................................................6 1.3.3. Behavioral Approaches................................................................................................................7 1.3.4. Situational Approaches ..............................................................................................................10 1.3.5. Contemporary Approaches ........................................................................................................12 SECTION 2: FINDING AND ANALYSIS ON LEADERSHIP.............................................. 13 2.1. Movie summary of “The Maze Runner” ...............................................................................13 2.2. General introduction of Thomas the leader.........................................................................14 2.2.1. Personal introduction.................................................................................................................14 2.2.2. Characteristics ...........................................................................................................................14 2.3. Analysis of Thomas’s leadership ...........................................................................................15 2.3.1. Trait Approach ...........................................................................................................................15 2.3.2. Behavioral Approach .................................................................................................................18 2.3.3. Situational Approach..................................................................................................................18 2.3.4. Contemporary Approach............................................................................................................20 2.4. Evaluation.............................................................................................................................21 SECTION 3: RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................................... 243.1. Recommendations for Thomas..............................................................................................24 3.2. Recommendations for future leaders.....................................................................................24 SECTION 4: CONCLUSION..................................................................................................... 26 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 27 JOB DESCRIPTION AND CONTRIBUTION ........................................................................ 281 ABSTRACT Our analysis concentrates on the fundamental knowledge of leadership, followed by a variety of leading methods and the different traits of a good leader. Specifically, we base on a wide range of theoretical frameworks and models, in order to make use of a strong leadership foundation to further analyze our topic. With the support of the movie “Maze Runner” (2014), the study aims to provide a practical approach that specifies the implications of leadership in the realistic context. We have found that the good leaders possess some mutual personal traits and styles. We also detect that the leadership method varies among different people and characteristics, which result in a shift of efficiency. Finally, yet importantly, we provide evaluations of the discussed methods and make recommendations for an ultimate approach of applying skills. With all the analysis and illustrations, we hope the study would define a clear vision into the fundamental background of the issues and draw attention to the determinants in order to possess and apply leadership skills that individuals and organizations can take into consideration. Last but not least, we would like to express our deep and sincere gratitude to our lecturer, Professor Hoang Anh Duy for being with us during this course. You always provided us with invaluable guidance and advice throughout interesting exercises. Your dynamism, vision, sincerity and motivation have deeply inspired us and urged us to improve ourselves as well as ignite our leadership ability day by day. It was a great privilege and honor to study under your guidance and we are extremely grateful for what you have offered.2 INTRODUCTION A. Rationale of study Leadership refers to the ability to influence, modify and exercise control over the behavior of others in a group. It is the ability of an individual or a group of individuals to influence and guide members of an organization. Leadership involves establishing a clear vision, sharing the vision so others will follow willingly and providing the knowledge, information and methods to realize the vision. Simply, leadership is the ability of an individual or organization to lead or guide other individuals or organizations. Today, people are increasingly recognizing the importance of leadership in organizational development. Leadership is the willingness to take ownership of the organization combined with an intrinsic urge to do what is best for the organization. In an article by McKinsey Company, leadership is ranked as a 1 priority by 500 executives and organizations. Employers across industries see leadership skills as one of the five most indemand Hard Skills according to LinkedIn’s annual 2019 Most Promising Jobs of 2019. In the United States of America, approximately 14 billion is spent each year on leadership training. In the context of a global competitive business environment, managing with strong leadership has even been challenged at a higher state, which makes it important to evaluate and master the skill. Although the operation of effective leadership requires experience and competence, the skill and its contributors can be obtained overtime. Tackling of the determinants and expressions now has become a concern for both individuals and organizations, which we would discuss throughout the studyADMINISTRATION ✧✧✧ PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT REPORT ANALYSIS OF LEADERSHIP IN “THE MAZE RUNNER” Group 8 1 Nguyễn Thị Lan Anh 2 Trần Minh Châu 3 Nguyễn Thanh.
Rationale of study
Leadership is the ability to influence, guide, and exercise control over others within a group or organization, essential for organizational development and success It involves establishing a clear vision, inspiring others to follow it willingly, and providing the knowledge and methods needed to achieve shared goals Today, effective leadership is highly valued, with a strong emphasis on ownership and a commitment to the organization's best interests According to McKinsey & Company, leadership is considered the top priority among 500 executives and organizations, and LinkedIn ranks leadership skills among the most in-demand hard skills for 2019 In the United States, approximately $14 billion is invested annually in leadership training, underscoring its significance in professional growth and organizational performance.
In today's highly competitive global business environment, strong leadership is more critical than ever, making it essential to evaluate and develop this skill While effective leadership relies on experience and competence, these qualities can be cultivated over time Understanding the key determinants and expressions of leadership is vital for both individuals and organizations striving to succeed This study explores how leadership skills can be mastered and the factors that influence their development, emphasizing their importance in achieving organizational success.
Research’s objectives
This study provides an insightful analysis of leadership by examining leaders' personal traits, behaviors, and styles, supported by key theoretical frameworks for a comprehensive understanding Leveraging knowledge from Principles of Management and additional research, our findings highlight essential characteristics that contribute to effective leadership Based on these results, we offer targeted recommendations for current and future leaders to enhance their leadership approaches and improve leadership execution in real-world settings.
Research’s objects
Leadership is a vital skill for managing personal life, relationships, and organizational success Developing leadership abilities can enhance personal value, create meaningful experiences, and boost employability Recruiters and organizations can leverage these insights to evaluate candidates for leadership roles and design innovative training programs to strengthen employee skills.
Research methods
To illustrate effective leadership, we reference a pivotal scene from the 2014 film “Maze Runner,” the first installment in the trilogy that depicts a group of boys navigating a complex, ever-changing maze The story follows sixteen-year-old Thomas, who wakes up with no memory in a rusty elevator, only to discover he’s in the middle of the labyrinth with others The movie exemplifies key leadership qualities necessary for survival, such as adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and fostering community in challenging environments “Maze Runner” highlights how strong, timely leadership is crucial for overcoming obstacles and establishing a functioning society within a crisis setting.
Structure of the report
To provide a logical and systematic analysis, the content of our report is divided into four sections:
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Definition
Leadership is the process of influencing others to engage in essential work behaviors that achieve organizational goals Effective leaders create a clear vision and provide direction, coaching, support, and training to employees They communicate effectively to resolve conflicts and foster a positive working environment, inspiring others to do the right things for organizational success.
Types of power
A leader's influence is crucial in achieving common workplace goals, with power serving as a fundamental tool for effective leadership There are five essential types of power: coercive power, reward power, legitimate power, expert power, and referent power, each playing a key role in shaping team dynamics and driving success.
Coercive power is rooted in the fear of losing one's job, facing demotion, receiving poor performance reviews, or having key projects taken away, as it relies on threatening others This form of power can be effective for setting high performance expectations and encouraging innovation, as leaders may use it to emphasize that employees must develop new, inventive approaches or face replacement By leveraging coercive power, managers can motivate employees to prioritize creativity and productivity to meet organizational goals.
Reward power involves incentivizing individuals by offering bonuses, raises, promotions, or additional time off to encourage compliance with your requests This positive approach motivates employees, fosters creativity, and promotes healthy competition within the team The prospect of rewards, regardless of size, can boost morale, generate excitement, and enhance overall productivity in the workplace.
Legitimate power in an organization is derived from holding a formal position of authority, such as being the boss or a key leader, and is recognized by employees based on organizational laws and structures This type of power enables leaders to manage resources, assign rewards, and enforce penalties legally and officially A prime example of legitimate power is found in structured organizations like the military, where leaders have the legal backing to instruct and discipline subordinates effectively.
Expert power is derived from an individual's experience, skills, and knowledge in specific areas As professionals gain expertise and establish themselves as thought leaders, they accumulate authoritative influence that can be leveraged to motivate others and achieve key objectives This form of power enhances credibility and encourages collaboration, making it a valuable asset for leadership and goal attainment.
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FINDING AND ANALYSIS ON LEADERSHIP
Movie summary of “The Maze Runner”
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"The Glade" for three years, trying to find a way to escape through the Maze that surrounds their living space (patrolled by cyborg monsters named 'Grievers')
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In their quest for peace, the Gladers sacrifice themselves to the Grievers, but a courageous group decides to free them and ventures into the Maze seeking escape While some Gladers resist leaving, others bravely enter a laboratory filled with corpses, highlighting their determination to find answers and escape their brutal reality.
Later, the supposedly dead scientists meet in a room Paige notes that the experiment has been successful: the survivors are now entering Phase Two
Throughout each phase of the film, different leadership theories are employed to analyze Dylan O'Brien's leadership style, offering insights into effective team management This assessment highlights how a team’s evolving needs often require the implementation of a path-goal leadership model at various stages of growth Understanding these dynamics underscores the importance of adaptable leadership approaches to guide teams successfully through different development phases.
General introduction of Thomas - the leader
Thomas is the last male Glader and one of the creators of the Maze, alongside Teresa Agnes, serving as the main protagonist of the series Named presumably after Thomas Edison, he is a teenage boy who arrives in the Glade with no memories other than his first name, initially feeling scared and confused However, Thomas quickly demonstrates bravery, resourcefulness, and strong will, exemplified by saving fellow Gladers Alby and Minho He shares a telepathic connection with Teresa, hinting at a prior relationship, and together they work to uncover his forgotten memories and true identity Ultimately, Thomas learns that his actions in the present define who he is more than his past memories, challenging the strict rules of the Glade and introducing innovative ideas that help the Gladers find a way out of the Maze.
Thomas is a determined, impulsive, and inquisitive individual with a sharp intellect, though he can be stubborn He possesses isolated telepathic powers and dares to challenge the status quo, demonstrating bravery and loyalty His strong sense of right and wrong guides his actions, making him a clever and courageous leader.
Determined: Thomas is determined to become a runner after running into the maze to save Minho and Alby from the grievers
Thomas discovered a hidden message within the maze using wax paper pencils and markers, pondering, "What if the pattern spells words?" He traced maps from previous days, aligning the sheets to reveal a letter F at the center As he continued assembling the map, additional words like FLOAT started to emerge, uncovering a clever secret hidden in the maze.
15 and CATCH and those are some of the words he had to punch in, to get out of the maze
Inquisitive: He’s skeptical about anything he can’t see for himself and he’d rather test things than trust other people’s opinions
Thomas is considered stubborn, as he enters the maze despite not being a designated runner and against the rules His determination is driven by curiosity and a desire to discover what’s happening inside, as he confidently states, “Whatever they are doing in there, I want in.” From the start, Thomas is branded an outsider among the Gladers, which makes it easier for him to ignore authority and follow his instincts.
Brave and impulsive: He acts on instinct rather than laying out a plan, which makes him both brave and foolhardy
Loyal: "I just feel like I need to save everyone To redeem myself."— Thomas to Newt
Dare to make changes: One of the traits that sets Thomas apart from the other boys is his unwillingness to accept the status quo.
Analysis of Thomas’s leadership
Leadership traits of Thomas are:
Thomas initially appeared in the Glade confused and unsure of his role, driven by a strong desire to survive Despite two years of frustration and some Gladers accepting their situation, Thomas remained inquisitive, constantly asking questions to understand their circumstances and find a way to escape the maze His relentless curiosity and determination symbolize that true change cannot happen when comfort leads to complacency.
16 is the much needed catalyst for the change in Glade “I’m scared but I’d rather risk my life than spend it out here”
Thomas's charisma is defined by his determined, impulsive, inquisitive, and stubborn nature He boldly dares to make changes and approaches situations with a skeptical mindset, preferring to test and verify things himself rather than rely solely on others' opinions.
Thomas demonstrates a strong desire to lead and influence others, as seen in the cut video where he persuades fellow teenagers to join him in fighting against evil creatures His leadership aims to foster teamwork to escape the invisible prison of the Glade Additionally, Thomas shows a willingness to take responsibility, highlighting his dedication to guiding others and seeking solutions in challenging situations.
Thomas exhibits strong self-confidence, even when he is lost in the maze and cannot remember his own name despite repeated efforts Despite the exhaustion and confusion, he strives to survive each day within the maze Fortunately, Chuck, a supportive boy, joins Thomas daily to provide guidance and explanations about the maze’s mysteries, including the role of Runners who map the maze to find an escape As Thomas repeatedly questions Chuck about Runners, he develops hope and believes that one day he will become a Runner himself and discover a way out.
Honesty and integrity are fundamental qualities of effective leaders, as they build trust through consistent actions that align with words Thomas exemplifies this by caring for his followers and assisting them whenever possible, even amidst danger Despite the dangers posed by the maze, which is open to threats like the Grievers even at night, Thomas continually attempts to protect and help other Gladers, such as Dave As the story unfolds, Thomas uncovers unsettling truths, including his and Teresa's past involvement with WCKD, the organization that created the maze, revealing their long-term studies on the boys This revelation brings to light the importance of transparency and integrity in leadership and personal accountability amid perilous circumstances.
Effective leadership requires strong intelligence, enabling leaders to synthesize and interpret large volumes of information, develop inspiring visions, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions Thomas exemplifies this by clearly understanding what he and his team need to achieve, demonstrating the importance of intelligence in successful leadership.
Effective leadership requires job-relevant knowledge, including a deep understanding of the company, industry, and technical matters, enabling leaders to make well-informed decisions and grasp their implications Just as Thomas organized his team during a battle against evil creatures—dividing into fighters and strategists—successful leaders must leverage their expertise to confront challenges directly while also strategizing for safe and effective solutions.
Leaders are often characterized by their extraversion, displaying energy, sociability, and assertiveness Thomas exemplifies this trait through his proactive approach in devising plans to escape the maze, even amid deadly threats from the grievers He contemplates regaining his past memories by allowing himself to be attacked by the grievers, believing that with a special serum, he can recover During his fight with the grievers, he faces dangerous attacks, but these experiences lead him to remember how the maze was created and its origins Thomas reveals that the maze was designed by selecting highly intelligent teenagers from around the world, and he remains optimistic that they won't give uphope of escaping, despite the overwhelming odds.
Thomas refuses to accept that there is no way out of the Maze, driven by his belief that escape is possible and his desire to uncover its secrets He realizes that the Glade is not their true home and that they must find a way to escape, even if it means breaking rules Effective leadership involves adaptability, a flexible moral compass, and respecting community opinions—qualities that Thomas embodies, though he recognizes his imperfections To navigate challenges, he relies on stable guidance from trusted friends like Newt and Minho, balancing innovation with wisdom in his leadership approach.
18 inspiration, with his “the truth is out there” mentality, and he never stops troubleshooting And it is through Thomas’ leadership that any of the boys survive their harrowing tale
2.3.2 Behavioral Approach a An autocratic style
Thomas has a kind of an autocratic leadership He almost made the decisions and plans, and also persuaded others to follow his route b A democratic style
Thomas, an innovator, challenges complacency by asking transformative “why” questions that spark new ideas among the residents of the Glade, including loyal second-in-command Newt Newt is a calm, steady, and warm community builder who is dedicated to following orders while remaining open to new leadership and visions Although he is responsible for decision-making and planning, he relies on stable advice from Newt and Minho to balance his innovative approach, recognizing his own imperfections Leading through inspiration with a “the truth is out there” mentality, Newt continuously troubleshoots challenges, and it is Thomas’ leadership that ensures the boys’ survival in their harrowing journey.
2.3.3 Situational Approach a The Path-goal model (House, Mitchell, 1974)
Thomas employs the Path-Goal model of leadership, which often involves a combination of the four main leadership styles Contingency leadership suggests that leaders may adapt and utilize multiple styles to effectively achieve their goals According to Butler (2008), these styles are not mutually exclusive; a leader like Thomas can switch between them based on the situation Specifically, Thomas primarily adopts a directive leadership style, effectively motivating his team to reach their objectives.
Thomas demonstrates strong leadership by delegating tasks, taking responsibility, and making crucial decisions to navigate dangerous situations Prior to engaging with the Grieves, he effectively communicates the plan to his companions, emphasizing unity and survival: “We stay close, we stick together… we get through this We get out now… or we die trying,” to reinforce the seriousness of their predicament and their collective determination to survive.
A supportive leader creates a positive work environment by demonstrating genuine concern for their employees and maintaining a friendly, approachable attitude This leadership style is particularly effective in challenging situations, whether physically or psychologically, as it helps to foster trust and resilience among team members By making work more pleasant and showing empathy, supportive leaders enhance team morale and improve overall productivity.
Thomas is a visionary leader who inspires his team with courage and determination, always ready to support his colleagues during challenging times He encourages his team members to stay confident before facing difficult tasks, fostering a motivating and positive environment As both a leader and a friend, Thomas creates a sense of camaraderie, making everyone feel valued and appreciated His leadership emphasizes collective success, ensuring that the benefits of their efforts extend to the entire team, not just himself.
Participative: The leader consults with his followers before making a decision on how to proceed It is most effective when subordinates are highly trained and involved in their work
Thomas, though imperfect, relies on steady guidance from Newt and Minho to balance his innovative approach He leads through inspiration, driven by his "the truth is out there" mentality, and persistently continues troubleshooting to overcome challenges.
Achievement-oriented: The leader sets challenging goals for her followers, expects them to perform at their highest level, and shows confidence in their ability to meet this expectation
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for Thomas
Thomas’s leadership style should focus on managing his spontaneous behaviors, as his impulsiveness often leads to poor decision-making and workplace instability His tendency to act without sufficient forethought, such as walking into The Maze alone on his first day without understanding the risks, exemplifies this risk In a professional setting, impulsive management can cause inconsistent expectations and disrupt team stability Effective leaders must learn to control strong emotions during stressful situations, maintaining professionalism and a sense of humor to build stronger relationships, foster creativity, and achieve organizational goals.
Thomas needs to improve his emotional control, as his intense and deep emotions often cloud his judgment Throughout the movie, his emotions are portrayed as strong and dramatic, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation In the workplace, emotional control is a crucial leadership skill, enabling leaders to effectively manage their employees Since workers look to leaders for behavioral cues during times of turmoil and change, maintaining composure sets a positive example A practical strategy for preventing emotional outbursts is to take a moment to pause and consider your response before reacting to stressful situations.
An outstanding leader thoughtfully considers all perspectives and approaches challenges with a problem-solving mindset rather than reacting emotionally Effective leaders proactively prepare for situations likely to evoke negative reactions, enabling them to respond strategically Embracing ambiguity allows leaders to navigate unpredictable circumstances more effectively, making them better equipped to handle issues as they arise.
CONCLUSION
Effective leadership involves influencing others to achieve organizational goals by creating a clear vision and direction Leaders motivate and guide employees through coaching, support, training, and effective communication, fostering a positive work environment They also play a crucial role in resolving conflicts and encouraging the right behaviors to drive organizational success.
A leader's influence plays a crucial role in achieving common workplace goals, with power serving as a fundamental tool for effective leadership There are five key types of power that leaders can leverage: coercive power, reward power, legitimate power, expert power, and referent power Understanding and utilizing these different forms of power can significantly enhance a leader's ability to motivate and guide their team towards success.
Coercive power is rooted in the fear of job loss, demotion, poor performance reviews, or losing key projects Leaders leverage this authority by threatening employees to set high performance standards This form of power can also motivate innovation by making employees aware that failure to generate new ideas could result in replacement Overall, coercive power emphasizes accountability through fear, encouraging employees to meet or exceed expectations to avoid negative consequences.
Reward power involves incentivizing compliance by offering bonuses, raises, promotions, or extra time off, making it a positive motivational tool This approach encourages employee engagement, boosts morale, and fosters a motivating work environment Offering rewards—regardless of size—can stimulate creativity, promote healthy competition, and generate excitement within your team, leading to improved productivity and job satisfaction.
Legitimate power stems from holding a formal position of authority within an organization, such as a leader or key member of the leadership team This type of power is recognized and accepted by employees because it is backed by organizational laws and structures Commonly seen in organizations like the military, legitimate power grants leaders the legal authority to manage resources, reward compliant personnel, and discipline or punish those who do not adhere to directives.
Expert power is derived from an individual's experience, skills, and knowledge As we accumulate expertise and establish ourselves as thought leaders in specific fields, we develop influential expert power This authority enables us to motivate and collaborate with others effectively to achieve our goals.
Referent power is rooted in trust and respect, gained when others admire how we handle situations This form of influence indicates significant progress toward shaping a positive organizational culture As you successfully complete projects, your referent power strengthens, inspiring employees to take bigger, smarter risks and continue driving forward Building and maintaining referent power fosters a motivated environment where trust and respect lead to ongoing organizational growth.
Effective leadership is crucial for organizational success, as it significantly influences overall performance and achievement Since the inception of business studies, discussions have focused on how to develop good leaders, highlighting the challenge of predicting leadership effectiveness before individuals assume top roles To aid organizations in selecting the right leaders, scholars have developed various models and approaches over the past century These include five primary frameworks for understanding leadership: trait approaches, skill approaches, behavioral approaches, situational approaches, and contemporary theories, each offering valuable insights into leadership development and effectiveness.
The trait approach to leadership was one of the earliest leadership theories, focusing on identifying personality traits associated with successful leadership across various situations Although not a fully developed theory with detailed hypotheses, it laid the foundation for early leadership research Researchers believed that great leaders share common character traits that contribute to their effectiveness This approach emphasizes the importance of inherent qualities and characteristics in determining leadership success.
Human beings exhibit a vast and infinite combination of personality traits The trait approach aims to analyze these effective trait combinations to identify the key characteristics that enable individuals to lead others successfully By understanding the core personality traits associated with leadership, this approach provides insights into how certain traits contribute to effective leadership qualities.
Research has shown that only a few traits distinguish leaders from followers, making it difficult to identify a universal set of characteristics that separate effective leaders from non-leaders Despite ongoing efforts, studies could not find a consistent and unique trait applicable to all leaders, suggesting that leadership qualities may be more complex than initially believed However, subsequent research identified seven key traits associated with effective leadership: drive, desire to lead, honesty and integrity, self-confidence, intelligence, job-relevant knowledge, and extraversion.
The skill approach emphasizes that effective leadership is developed through acquiring and enhancing key skills, knowledge, and abilities It highlights that many individuals possess leadership potential, which can be cultivated through experience and training According to Katz's (1995) model, a successful leader should demonstrate three essential abilities: technical skills, human skills, and conceptual skills Focusing on these competencies ensures that leaders are well-equipped to succeed and adapt in various organizational settings.
The importance of technical, human, and conceptual skills varies based on an individual's level of authority within an organization Effective leadership requires a balanced combination of all three skills; however, certain skills become more critical depending on a leader's position in the management hierarchy Recognizing which skills are most necessary at different levels ensures that leaders can adapt and succeed in their roles.
In the 1950s, leadership research shifted focus from leader traits to behaviors, emphasizing that effective leaders are made through learning and observation rather than innate qualities Behavioral theories suggest that anyone can become a leader with proper training, making leadership skills accessible to all Key studies exploring this approach include the Iowa State University studies, the University of Michigan and Ohio State University studies, and the Managerial Grid by Black and Mouton.
Kurt Lewin and his team at the University of Iowa conducted pioneering research on leadership behavior, identifying three key leadership styles: autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire Their study laid the foundation for understanding different leadership behaviors and their impact on group dynamics and performance.