1.0 Leadership theories A leadership theory is a clarification of some features of leadership; theories have practical importance as they are being used for better understanding, anticipating, and controlling successful leadership. Hence, the main principle of any theory is to inform practice(Lussier and Achua 2009). Leadership theories could be classified into eight main categories: Great man, trait, behavioral, contingency, Situational, Participative, Relationship , management (Cherry 2010). 1.1 Great Man Theory (1840s) According to this theory great leaders are born, not made. These great leaders have inherited few or several favorable traits which distinguishes them from common people. For example, Napoleon, Mao-se-Tung are considered to be natural leaders, who have had all qualities of leadership built-in them(Biju 2010). The great man theory notion has been used for the first time by Carlyle in his article on heroes, he has defined the leader as someone gifted with a set of an exceptional qualities which capture the minds and souls of the public(Carlyle 1993). This theory has received some support from some researches(Biju 2010). In a study of 14 nations for periods over 500 to 1000 years, It has been concluded that a leader creates the nation and shapes it according to his unique features(Woods 1913). In another study it has been concluded that leadership is of undeniable importance and there is no substitute for it, but it cannot be created or learned(Drucker 2010). At the other extreme, some researchers have pointed out some drawbacks such as(Singla 2010): • It does not have any scientific basis or any empirical strength • Born managers are almost creation of fiction. In such modern, dynamic and fast changing busines... ... middle of paper ... ...icked carefully and practiced judiciously, if it used at all(Gustainis and Roosevelt 2004). 2.2 Laissez- Faire Leadership style This style has been defined as ( Abdicates responsibilities avoid making decisions)(Robbins 2001). That would mean leaders are not involved in taking decisions at all and they are available only to provide their employees with materials and answering questions, the subordinates have complete freedom to take decisions and set objectives (Chaudhry and Husnain 2012). In other words, this theory lacks any kind on powerful leadership. Hence, there would be lack of motivation, low levels of performance, and poor work practices(Packard 2009). However, if the employees are already motivated and have full understanding and high level of knowledge regarding the mission at hand, Lassies- Faire model might works fine (Gustainis and Roosevelt 2004) .
Leadership is delicate precise and very rewarding. Many philosophers, teachers, businessmen and government officials have of the same characteristics that make them successful leaders. Also some other personal choice to make them failures. In acknowledging leadership within different perspectives and styles aspiring leaders are able to study, plan and correct all of traits and style that may make them ineffective at within their current role as leaders. In additional content of leaders and the role that government plays on society is a critical element in understanding different leadership and decision makers from different origins of the world.
Before you can summarize the concepts related to leadership theory, you have to define what leadership is. Leadership is a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task or goals. The fundamental concept of leadership is indirection. In any organization, the leader indirectly impacts the performance of the organization through the performance of individual team members. To make that impact, the leader takes on the role of the coach, and the inspiratory. As the coach, the leader improves the performer's skills. As the inspiratory, the leader inspires the passion required for optimal performance. A good leader can make decisions with a clear mind and will listen to theirs but can run through every consequence and possibility in their head. They take every angle and come out with the best answer for the majority of the people or situations it effects. And will not let their emotions be shut off but will have feeling where it is needed.
The Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu put it best when he said, “A leader is best when people barley know he exists, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, They will say: We did it ourselves.” Often when a person thinks of a leader they think of such great leaders as George Washington, George Patton, and Thomas Jackson. The word “leader” itself will invoke images of die-hard men with the charisma to command anyone and overcome anything. Yet despite this common image there was no theory of leadership that covered this common belief in a “super” leader.
In law enforcement, the Situational Leadership Theory [SLT] method adapts a police leader-supervisor style that is based on the follower’s personal understanding of their own skills, experiences, and motivations in association with the workings an agency’s service. This approach focuses on a person’s style based on their leadership perceptions from a task-oriented field. The field represents an extent that focuses on the function being performed in a relationship with the people they are supervising.
As an overview, leadership theory consist of firstly, Great man theory that is leaders who have been born with qualities and are meant to lead (Bolden, Marturano & Dennison,
In this theory leadership style changes as needed to ensure that the goal is achieved (Huber, 2014). Each situation may need to be addressed differently, which requires flexibility by all involved, especially leadership. Managers need to evaluate every individual to understand what they are capable of and how they fit the needs of the institution and or situation (Nash, 2015). As a nurse I think this is a very important trait for a leader to have because of how quickly things change and how we must work within our environment. For example, in healthcare we sometimes have to allow others to take control of a situation on to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient. In addition, the manager needs to ensure that each person works within the scope of their practice, functions at the highest level allowed and completes their tasks. To be a successful leader in healthcare and achieve desired outcomes requires a high level of flexibility by leadership. I would also say that the contingency theory would also fit into my leadership style. The basis premise of this theory is that each situation is different and leadership needs to take that into account when managing a situation (Huber, 2014). At times a leader needs to look at the bigger picture and incorporate that in their decision making process. When looking at a specific situation taking input from all parties involved can lead to a more effective solution. We can learn a lot form those around us and need to take that in account to be an effective
Leadership is being able to direct or guide other people by either your own actions or by actually guiding them into the right direction (Acumen). Inspiration to be a leader might come from many different areas like your family, friends, peers, or even teachers. My inspiration didn’t really occur to me until I started attending college in August 2013. In all actuality I never even thought of how to be a leader until I was in Mrs. Moore’s Perspectives class. I now have a desire to be a great leader, and the inspiration has come from Mrs. Moore, and my family. I am the first to attend college out of my family, so in a away I have already started leading my siblings in the right direction. Being a leader means inspiring others to pursue their dreams, and aspirations and helping throughout the journey to success. Being a leader has nothing with authority or being able to tell other what, and how to do things, it’s about having people who look up to you and want to follow your example.
For example, under this theory the leader would employ High Directive/High Support leadership behaviors to the Disillusioned Learner. Ideally, the leader helps the followers as they progress through the stages to achieve the Self-Reliant Achiever/Delegating level. While I do not necessarily fully subscribe to the theory, it does seem to have merit and I do believe that it is important for an effective leader to have the capability and flexibility to adapt his or her style to the needs of the followers in order to encourage everyone’s success. I also believe that an effective leader plays a significant role in promoting and molding individuals’ readiness as it relates to motivation and commitment. As such, I developed my leadership assessment with these points in mind. The assessment focuses on 14 attributes that I believe are important not only for a leader to be successful within the parameters of the SLT, but...
I absolutely agree with the “Transformational Leadership Theory”. It breaks down into two parts, one is Transformational Leader and the other is Transactional Leader. While Transformational leaders are charismatic, considerate and inspirational, they align workers goals with their own which helps employees focus more on their job and the well-being of the company rather than themselves. The Transactional Leaders are almost the opposite, they still make sure that the workers do their jobs correctly and behave properly, but in exchange for that, manager offers rewards. Whether its active manager by exception or passive manager by exception, both leave the workers to do their job and not interfere, only difference is that passive manager will only come to the rescue when something gone terribly wrong. I have worked at a place where my manager was a Transactional Leader, and the harder I worked the more money benefits I got and sometimes there were competitions and for winning you were rewarded with a gift of some sort, that kind of motivation made me work smarter and faster but there was no bond between the manager and I, now I have a job where the use of Transformational leadership is more common. My boss right now is kind, always make sure I am ok, to the point of, if it’s too hot
The principles of leadership and management are helps to understand the management style and make the effective decision. An effective decision helps to gain the success of an organization. Lots of way to manage and collect information/question for leadership and management which are describing in the below:
This theory shapes followers into future leaders by providing them a freedom to control their behavior, elevates followers’ concerns from physical to psychological needs, and inspires subordinates to consider a group rather than self-interests and communicates designed outcomes to let subordinates perceive changes as wealth while. Transforming leadership has an elevating effect on both sides, leader and the led, because it improves the level of conduct and human interaction.
As Yukl (2010) indicates, such factors (e.g. personality, values and capacities) attributed to a leader. Normally it is widespread acknowledged that someone is born to be a lead...
...adership Practices in Relation to Productivity and Morale." In D. Cartwright and A. Zander, Group Dynamics: Research and Theory, 2nd ed. (Elmsford, NY: Row, Paterson, 1960)
Leadership, without doubt, is a significantly important function of management. It helps to aggrandize efficiency and to fulfil an organization’s goals. Leadership is the ability of a manager to induce the subordinates to work with confidence, determination, courage and zeal. It is also defined as ability to influence a group towards the realization of a goal. Leaders should have the capability of developing future visions, and to drive the organizational members to want to attain the visions. This paper states my points in which I duly believe, justifies the importance of an outstanding leader in any organization.
There are many different types of theories on leadership. There is Fiedler’s contingency theory, situational theories of leadership and House’s path-goal theory. These theories are used to make an individual or manager a more effective leader. They can be used as a guide for individuals and help them achieve whatever goal is set out by their organization or group.