Leadership & Supervision in Recreation Flashcards

A recreation agency must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the context of staff supervision, what does 'reasonable accommodation' require?

Answer: Modifying work conditions or schedules to enable a qualified employee with a disability to perform essential functions

ADA reasonable accommodation requires good-faith modifications that allow qualified employees to perform essential job functions without causing undue hardship to the employer.

A parks and recreation supervisor uses a 360-degree feedback process. What is the PRIMARY advantage of this method?

Answer: It gathers performance input from multiple sources including peers, subordinates, and supervisors

360-degree feedback provides a comprehensive performance picture by soliciting input from all directions in the organizational hierarchy.

Which motivational theory suggests that employees are motivated when they believe their effort will lead to performance, performance will lead to outcomes, and those outcomes are valued?

Answer: Vroom's Expectancy Theory

Vroom's Expectancy Theory links motivation to three beliefs: effort→performance (expectancy), performance→outcome (instrumentality), and outcome value (valence).

During a staff meeting, a recreation supervisor encourages open debate on a programming decision. One team member dominates the discussion and dismisses others' ideas. What is the BEST supervisory response?

Answer: Redirect the conversation by explicitly inviting quieter members to share their views

Actively soliciting input from quieter members ensures equitable participation and prevents groupthink without singling out the dominant member publicly.

A recreation department is transitioning to a matrix organizational structure. Which challenge should supervisors anticipate?

Answer: Employees may receive conflicting instructions from multiple supervisors

Matrix structures create dual reporting relationships that can produce role ambiguity and conflicting directives for staff.

An outdoor recreation supervisor wants to use situational leadership effectively with a new employee who is enthusiastic but lacks technical skills. Which approach is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Telling — provide clear, specific direction and close supervision

New employees with high enthusiasm but low competence need directive (Telling) leadership with clear instructions and structured guidance.

A recreation supervisor wants to reduce staff turnover. Research suggests which factor has the GREATEST influence on retention?

Answer: Quality of the supervisor-employee relationship

Studies consistently show that employees leave managers more than organizations; the direct supervisor relationship is the strongest predictor of retention.