...Leadership Theories There are successful leaders and then there are leaders who fail. Some people think of it as luck, but the truth is that there is no out of the world combination of characteristics that make some leaders successful. Often different characteristics matter at different situations. So what makes a great leader? Is it the personality traits of people or characteristics of the situation that makes people better than others? Studies conducted to find out how exactly certain people excel in their positions have given birth to a number of formal leadership theories. In this paper I will discuss about three different leadership theories; behavioral theories, contingency theories, and power & influence theories. Behavioral Theories As the name suggests behavioral theories emphasis on how leaders behave. For example; some leaders get involved with their team and some dictate terms in decision making. According to Kendra Cherry “Behavioral theories of leadership are based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born” (para 9). This particular theory mainly focuses on the actions of leaders. An assumption of this theory is that people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation. Three types of leaders can be identified under the behavioral theory; I. Autocratic leaders II. Democratic leaders III. Laissez-faire leaders A study conducted by the Ohio State University, have found two groups...
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... 06 5. Description 07 6. Advantages and Disadvantages 14 7. Suggestions 16 8. Present and Beyond 17 9. Reference 18 Leadership: Leadership is the process by which a manager directs guides and influences the work of others in attaining specified goal. Leadership involves 1) Exerting influence over other members of a group 2) Helping a group achieve its goals. Leadership and management are two terms that are often confused. John Kotter of the Harvard Business School argues that “Management is about coping with complexity. Good management brings about order and consistency by drawing up formal plans, designing rigid organization structures, and monitoring results against the plans. Leadership, in contrast, is about coping with change. Leaders establish direction by developing a vision of the future; then they align people by communicating this vision and inspiring them to overcome hurdles." Robert House of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania basically concurs when he says that ‘Managers use the authority inherent in their designated formal rank to obtain compliance from organizational members. Management consists of...
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...Leadership Styles and Theories LDR 531 October 31, 2011 Leadership Styles and Theories Changing market conditions, reducing product demand, and less trade barriers among nations forcing organizations to rethink business strategies in terms of new acquisitions, restructuring, change in funding methods and mergers. Successful organizations regularly review the change in market conditions and social-political environments and build core competencies to mitigate the risk of competition and reducing product demand. Staffing competent individual at correct position is a critical task for building core competence and leadership in the organization. Leaders help in visualize innovating methods of production and facilitate changes in the organization to empower employees and organization fight competition and adopting new market conditions. The leadership role is critical at every level of the organization structure and understanding best suiting leadership style for the organization and using the right one for the situation makes the difference between success and the failure of the organization. Researchers are reviewing many leadership theories and styles to provide understanding on how organizations can use this concept for the success of the organization. Researchers developed Behavioral theories, contingency theories, trait theories, and power influence theories to gain understanding on the concept of leadership. Leaders...
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...Leadership R-Jay P. Quiambao, CIE • Leader – Someone who can influence others and who has managerial authority • Leadership – What leaders do; the process of influencing a group to achieve goals • Ideally, all managers should be leaders • Although groups may have informal leaders who emerge, those are not the leaders we’re studying Leadership research has tried to answer: What is an effective leader? • Trait Theories (1920s-30s) – Research focused on identifying personal characteristics that differentiated leaders from nonleaders was unsuccessful. – Later research on the leadership process identified seven traits associated with successful leadership: • Drive, the desire to lead, honesty and integrity, selfconfidence, intelligence, job-relevant knowledge, and extraversion. Exhibit 17–1 Seven Traits Associated with Leadership Source: S. A. Kirkpatrick and E. A. Locke, “Leadership: Do Traits Really Matter?” Academy of Management Executive, May 1991, pp. 48–60; T. A. Judge, J. E. Bono, R. llies, and M. W. Gerhardt, “Personality and Leadership: A Qualitative and Quantitative Review,” Journal of Applied Psychology, August 2002, pp. 765–780. Exhibit 17–2 Behavioral Theories of Leadership Exhibit 17–2 (cont’d) Behavioral Theories of Leadership • Behavioral Theories – University of Iowa Studies (Kurt Lewin) • Identified three leadership styles: – Autocratic style: centralized authority, low participation – Democratic style: involvement...
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...Organization Overview 1 What is leadership? Leadership has been described as "a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". For example, some understand a leader simply as somebody whom people follow, or as somebody who guides or directs others, while others define leadership as "organizing a group of people to achieve a common goal". Studies of leadership have produced theories involving traits,[2] situational interaction, function, behavior, power, visioning values,[3] charisma, and intelligence, among others. 2.0 [Researchable Question] 1 WHAT IS LEADERSHIP STYLE? Leadership style is a form of cross situational behavioral consistency. It refers to the manner in which a leader interacts with his or her subordinates. More specifically, dimensions of leadership style depict the way in which a leader (a) attempts to influence the behavior of subordinates (Goal Attainment Function); (b) makes decisions regarding the direction of the group (Adaptation Function); and (c) his or her balance between the goal attainment function and the maintenance function of the group. Listed below are three different ways in leadership style has been defined. ------------------------------------------------- WHAT DETERMINES A LEADER'S STYLE? Leadership Style is most often viewed as a dependent variable where the focus is on how does leadership style influences individual behavior, attitudes,...
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...title, and not leadership. Leadership can be defined as the process by which an individual exerts influence over other people by inspiring, motivating, and directing their activities to help contribute towards the effectiveness and success of the organization (Yukl, 2006, p. 21). Additionally, a leader is interpreted as someone who sets direction in an effort to influence people to follow that direction while possessing certain characteristics and traits. To be an effective leader, a manager must influence his associates in a positive way to reach the goals of the organization. They are numerous theories about leadership, or about carrying out the role of a leader. These theories both behavioral theories and trait theories as well as contingency theories such as the Leader Membership Exchange Theory, transformational leadership, path-goal theory, and Hershey & Blanchard situational leadership theory and how they influence leadership success. Trait theories are theories that consider personal qualities and characteristics that differentiate leaders from non leaders. In contrast, behavioral theories of leadership imply that individuals can be trained to be leaders. In recent times traits have been organized around the “Big Five Personality Framework” that is, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness to experience. Extraversion out of all the other personalities is mostly found in individuals who indicate effective leadership. A core component...
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...Four Models of Leadership Lisa S. Patrick University of Phoenix Four Leadership Models There are theories that suggest characteristics, behaviors and relationships that inspire and create effective leaders and followers within organizations. The Trait Leadership Model, Behavior Leadership Model, Situational Leadership Model, and Charismatic Leadership Model provide assumptions built on theories from approaches that incorporate characteristics, leader behaviors, outcomes affected by situations and how leader relationships inspire change in an organization. Differences and similarities exist among these approaches and may address some of the contemporary leadership and challenges in organizations. Trait Leadership Model The Trait Model examined specific traits researchers believed were associated with leadership and focused on the innate characteristics that make good leaders. This body of research included theories that “leaders were born and not made” (Clawson, 2006, p. 379) in the “Great Man” Theory of Leadership. Kouzes (2003) believes that to view a few men and woman as innate greatness is wrong and that heroes do exists in organizations. Other Theorists like Stogdill’s Leadership Traits, Maccobys Leader, and John Gardner’s Leaders noted characteristics believed to make great leaders. Stogdill believed leaders were strong, task-oriented, confident, handled stress, and accepted responsibility for actions were qualities of a good leader (Clawson, 2006; Clemers...
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...Professional Development Characteristic styles and patterns of behavior are factors that determine the type of interpersonal and professional relationships we build with others. Characteristics and behavioral patters influence a person’s actions and define how those actions have an impact within those relationships. Working within a team such factors will determine what one expects from someone else and how those needs are communicated. Each team member within Team B completed The DISC Platinum Rule Behavioral Style Assessment. The results of the assessment and the interactions in relation to this assignment provide the team with a means to develop an efficient professional development plan. The plan addresses the characteristics of each member as an individual and within the group as well as the most effective leadership approach for each team member. Team Assessments and Behavioral Characteristics After an assessment of each of the team member’s personality types with the use of their DISC assessments I was able to develop a professional development plan that promotes an open and communicative environment conducive to forming a productive group. This approach identifies each team member’s characteristics and work styles as experienced through cooperation and participation in the completion of this plan. Through these characteristics and interactions I was able to identify each member’s strengths, weaknesses, preferences and personality type. Such information allows...
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...Behavioral Approach Name Institutional Affiliation Behavioral Approach The behavioral approach deals with the manner in the leaders act and what they do, and is very different from the trait approach, that focuses of the personality attributes of the leader and the skills approach which deals with the capabilities of the leader. Leadership is known to be composed of the task behaviors, that facilitate goal achievement and relationship behaviors that give leaders comfort and confidence. Behavioral approach explains how leaders apply these 2 behaviors to achieve their goals. Research has shown that it is important to consider more than traits in leadership, and that it functions better in smaller groups. The research studies were conducted by Ohio State University, Michigan University and by Blake and Mouton around the 1960s. The three researches conducted have been the backbone of the concept of behavioral approach in leadership. The study by the Ohio State University discovered that there are different leadership behaviors, with high consideration and high initiating structure being the most effective ones. The research conducted by Michigan University discovered aesthetic research while Blake and Mouton discovered the leadership grid and likeable leaders. The functioning of the behavioral approach is such that there is no set of steps for an effective leadership behavior. This is because the theory is not a refined one. Instead, it gives an outline that can be used to assess...
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...Three Leadership Approaches Leadership approaches are behaviors are traits that leaders use. All leaders have something in common. What style of leadership is mostly effective depends on a particular situation. There are three kinds of leadership approaches. The trait approach is about identifying different personality traits and characteristics that are connected to successful leadership in so many different situations. This approach is based on belief that ability to lead was something that people were simply born with. Trait approach focuses on the personal attributes of leaders, such as physical, personal characteristics; competencies and values. This approach gives more credit to the qualities a person was born with rather than what they develop in a relationship with followers. This style is characteristic of ones who others see as “born leaders”. This theory believes that if you can identify people with right traits, you can identify leaders. Research was done, and it was found that traits can be learned as well. Traits are strongly associated with person’s perception of leadership. One doesn’t become a leader based on traits, but working relationship between leader and group members, and changing situations. Trait leadership approach works well for organizations with managers in leadership position that have specific traits. School is a good example of an organization in this position. Behavioral leadership approach focuses on the study of specific behavior of...
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...complexity of the merge that involves different leadership styles, systems, policies, ingrained cultures and employees’ beliefs, and it bears financial constraints. Diversity and complexity impact upon two main dimensions: (a) behavioral (motivation, retention, employee relations, cultural integration) and (b) organizational (design of new systems, management practices, processes and in general O.D. issues). Both dimensions ultimately influence the organizations’ efficiency and in turn a professional delivery of health services to the community. 2. 2. Environment analysis: The two hospitals face external pressures from: (a) the shareholders to reduce costs; (b) the community to deliver high quality health services; (c) the labor market with shortage of qualified staff; also (d) political pressures demanding a restructuring; and (e) from citywide union agreements that can influence HR decisions. These external factors must be duly accounted as they impact upon behavioral and organizational dimensions and by reflection can affect the success of the consolidation. 3. 3. Problem identification: Leadership in handling the change. Internal and external complexities and challenges suggest that effective leadership, especially handling human aspects of the change, would be key for a successful consolidation process. In both hospitals employees face low motivation, uncertainty on the future, differences in leadership styles, ethical approaches, and in working cultures...
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...Running Head: Leadership Theories 1 Leadership Theories Leadership Models and Theories 2 Leadership Theories According to Daft (2008, p.20), leadership typically reflects the larger society, and theories have evolved as norms, attitudes, and understandings in the larger world of change. Throughout the centuries leaders have adapted in response to these changes. Northouse (2007, p3) defines leadership as a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. A person’s ability to influence others to accomplish an objective and direction are key processes in leadership. There are many great leaders and leadership styles that can be easily discussed. Twenty-first century leadership has developed useful and simplistic ways to determine and exercise their leadership styles on their way to developing and understanding their leadership styles based on the situation and the organization. Leadership is a very dynamic and diverse process, This literature selection by selection, as introduced by the editor, presents enlightening thoughts on a different aspect of leadership. Over the years, many researchers have developed various leadership theories, notably great scholars such as, Plato, Aristotle, Lao-tzu and others. ...
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...Natasha Murray Professor Romary Intro. To Leadership Chapter 1 Review Questions 1. Why is leadership important? Leadership is important because it can make or break a company. Management and leadership go hand in hand when it comes to individuals and organizations including financial performance. Managerial leadership is crucial to creating effective organizations with employees who push their limits. 2. What are the five key elements in our leadership definition? How do the elements interrelate to form this definition? The five key elements of leadership are influence, leader-followers, organizational objectives, people, and change. When it comes to the leader-follower element, leaders and followers influence each other. This relationship leads to the next element that is influence where the leader uses power, politics, and negotiating to sway followers on their opinions. In order for a manager to be effective, they need to influence their employees by communicating ideas to gain acceptance. Then motivate their employees to support and implement the idea at hand through change. in order for a company to stay relevant in the ever changing economy, they need to continuously change with technology, theories, and such. And in doing so, a company’s organizational objectives are met through the same vision shared by employees. Effective leaders motivate employees to think outside the box and push their limits all while keeping in mind what is best for the company...
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...Head: LEADERSHIP Leadership: Discuss Leadership Styles, Autocratic & Participative Name: Course name: Course Instructor: Date of Submission: Outline Discuss Leadership Styles, Autocratic & Participative 3 Introduction 3 Autocratic leadership 4 Participative leadership 5 Ability to change leadership styles 5 Applied theories of leadership 6 The trait theories 6 Behavioral theories 6 Contingency theories 7 Power and influence theories 7 Management versus leadership 7 Conclusion 8 Reference 9 Discuss Leadership Styles, Autocratic & Participative Introduction Yukl (2002) explains that a person who influences a particular defined group of people with an aim of achieving a certain set goal is known as a leader. Leadership on the other hand refers to the art of motivating the group of people to ‘act’ in order to achieve the goal. It is common knowledge that the various styles of leadership will affect the organization in question. It is therefore wise for the leader to make a choice of the most effective leadership style. The understanding of the leadership styles together with their impact to an organization will ensure that leaders are flexible and hence better in terms of serving their respective subjects. This particular understanding can help one to develop his/her own personal leadership style thus one becomes a more effective leader. Over the past few decades leadership has come under scrutiny. The idea of ineffective methods of leadership in any...
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...The Corruption of Power The United States Constitution reads: ".congress shall make no law respecting...or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press;..." (1st Amendment, 1791). The declaration gives one reason to believe that they are free in a country such as this, with "the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," (Declaration of Independence, 1776) otherwise known as property. However, there is more behind freedom than just rights; there is also responsibility which can be distorted by certain individuals. This distortion may appear under power, which may corrupt the things we say and do, and in many ways, limit our rights. The rights we are granted by the First Amendment of the Constitution, guarantee the basic freedoms of speech, religion, petition, press, and assembly. By exercising these rights, freedom can be discovered, and can also be costly. The corruption for power is a popular factor in the decay of American rights. The use of certain rights can be twisted and made to be wrong by powerful forces being targeted. For example, if the underdog wishes to attack the wrong doings of leaders, the underdog's accusations may be twisted undermine the real issue. The power to distort is often give the assistance of higher authority, the government perhaps, and often lead to victory, therefore losing rights that they have originally been given. Recent problems have occurred involving the Cincinnati...
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