1). a). Use the case scenario, along with the information regarding each of the three companies and its employees to determine if the Supportive Leadership style is the best leadership style out of the 4 listed below to use in the merger in a way that will lead to company-wide buy in as well as enhanced job satisfaction and performance. Consider the consequences (both pros and cons) of the supportive leadership style and offer suggested solutions. b). What are some solutions you may suggest to address the potential disadvantages of the supportive leadership style? Leadership styles: Directive Supportive Participative Achievement-oriented Project Case Scenario Introduction: Along her drive home, idling along in the slow crawl of the afternoon rush hour, Susan replayed the events of the last few months over and over in her mind. The news of a merger shocked everyone, and tension in the office was at an all-time high. This was Susan's first merger, and, in many ways, she hoped it would be her last. As the only certified HR specialist with an advanced degree, Susan was asked to work with a consultant to draft a plan detailing the culture, structure, and leadership needs of the HR office. It was an exciting but weighty assignment - one that had the potential to affect the entire organization for better or worse. On one hand, Susan could play it safe and try not to "ruffle any feathers." After all, what if the executive art of the organization disagreed with her plan? What if the plan had a negative impact on her coworkers? On the other hand, she knew that change was needed, and playing it safe would likely lead to very few changes. She believed that if she presented a strong plan, it could lead to making this office a great place to work for everyone. In the morning, Susan will meet with the consultant and discuss recommendations. Then she'll need to prepare a plan to present to the Board of Directors a few days later. Background Information: United Services United Services began operations in 1990 to provide health and wellness services to the elderly and the disabled. Positioned as a locally sourced and operated organization, United Services flourished. By 2010, there were approximately 400 care providers with eight managers, and the support services to match. The organization's leadership was formed from a regulatory perspective to provide a stable and trusted service to the community. The HR office includes six people: one director, one manager, two recruiters, and two generalists. The current Director, Susan, is being promoted to the VP position. Short of that, no other information - about positions, job descriptions, and even whether everyone will have a position after the merger - has not been finalized. As a result, stress in the office is at an all-time high. Another contributor to the stress level is that fact that, during the merger, the HR office will go from six to sixteen people and will end up with several redundancies. Not only tha.