Reagan's Leadership Theory

A great leader is someone who can remain effective in the face of adversity. I have always admired the leadership of Ronald Reagan, the fortieth president of the United States. To understand Reagan’s influence as a leader of the American people, we must first understand leadership. There are many published theories about leadership including the theories of Dr. Bernard M. Bass. Additionally, there are follower-focused studies that have produced additional theories that expand and compliment Bass’ theories.

Dr. Bernard M. Bass, a distinguished professor in the School of Management at Binghamton University, has published over four hundred journal articles and twenty-one books with a concentration on behavior, international management, and leadership (Avolio, 2008). Bass’ theory of leadership includes three approaches including Laissez-faire, Transactional, and Transformational leadership. Laissez-faire, or hands-off, approach describes a leader who does not involve themselves in decision making, provides little or no guidance to his subordinates, and whose style includes complete autonomy for his

Servant leadership refers to a leader who puts followers needs above their own and even above the needs of the organization which creates loyal followers. Authentic leaders are true to themselves, in touch with their own values, exemplifies integrity and is impartial and open to ideas. A leader-member exchange (LMX) refers to the individual relationship between a leader and their follower. The theory of LMX divides followers into two groups: the in-group and the out-group. The in-group typically have more contact with the leader and receive more acknowledgement from the leader. Additionally, the in-group are usually given additional tasks. The out-group are usually not as skilled in their work and often do not fit with the direction that the leader is