...Leadership Theories: A Discussion Amanda M. Crorken University of Phoenix Leadership Theories: A Discussion Researchers have researched and created various approaches to leadership. The definitions of leadership create a universal truth that leaders must lead individuals toward a common goal. The paper below describes the trait, social exchange, substitute, and transformational approaches to leadership as well as a discussion of the similarities and differences of the theories. Leadership Theories Trait Approach to Leadership The trait theory of leadership originated with Thomas Carlyle's Great Man theory centralizing around the idea that individuals have innate traits that distinguish him or her as a leader. Since the Great Man theory, the trait theory of leadership has evolved into its current state described below. The proponents of the trait theory are individuals maintaining that a leadership role is innate. A comparison between trait theory and a college course can assist in understanding the basics of the theory. Courses generally have prerequisites in which students must obtain prior to enrolling; thus the traits instilled into a leader are the prerequisites of becoming a successful...
Words: 1639 - Pages: 7
...have leadership. Whether he or she is a leader or employee has leadership who can be a leader. Since leadership is a process and it include influence (Northouse 2012). Different approaches define different style of leadership. There is no any perfect leader in the world. The so-called gains will lose, every approach of leadership have their pro and con. Actually, every approach of leadership may have some same point in it. Observation carefully, you will know each leadership has their special thing and it influence themselves and their follower directly or indirectly. Definition of three theories Trait approach In the leadership research history, trait approach is the oldest approach and is a first leadership approach attempts to study. Until 1940, people believe leader’s ability is born, so they can be a leader, instead of train by acquired. Therefore, many researches focus on internal. Stogdill (1974) list 10 traits that leader should have. For the reason that you want to find a leader, it just to find the people whose trait can fit your job require. However, it hard to define trait and there must have more than 10 traits can act in concert with leader. In addition, it is hard to train or develop a people who do not have those trait that they to be a people who having those trait. Different people hold different traits and the traits will not be same. In the selection process, it is hard to find a good leader. Transformational leadership theory In this...
Words: 3367 - Pages: 14
...Leadership Approach Paper The leader has the ability to attract and influence any group of people to follow their path to achieve organizational goals have power of authority, make people want to do it but it's really what we as leaders want them to do. In this paper we will discuss the situational leadership theory as an approach to the study of leadership and seeing the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, and an example how it works in the organization. According to Yuki, "common practice is to limit the focus to a leading feature type, ie traits, behavior or power" (Yuki, 2010). In the trait theory, will provide a definition and analyze an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. Trait Approach Trait approach is defined as "personal attributes (or features) of the leaders, as the characteristics, skills and physical values and personality" (Fleenor, 2006). The idea behind early research was that some people were born traits that allowed them to be leaders, researchers have created lists describe the character traits of leaders. Individuals and lists of character traits are compared to determine the success or failure of such person in a leadership role. Strengths Trait approach to leadership research has some clear advantages. This approach maintains the idea that the leaders of this world are in the open and head. Leaders, consistently been transmitted are different from the villages, and have characteristics that differentiate them from others...
Words: 550 - Pages: 3
...Business Management LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONS Name: Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan Student ID: 23045438 Word count: 3596 Module Leader UK : Janette Hurst Module Leader Singapore: Jasmine Puah Table of Contents Introduction 3 Trait Approach to Leadership Theory 3 Advantages of Trait Approach 4 Disadvantages of Trait Approach 4 Situational and Contingency Approach 6 Fiedler’s Contingency Theory: 7 Advantages of Fiedler’s Contingency Model 9 Disadvantages of Fiedler’s Contingency Model 9 Harsey-Blanchard Situational Leadership 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Model 12 Transformational Approach to Leadership 13 Advantages and Disadvantages of Transformational Approach to Leadership 15 Similarities of different approaches 15 Differences of Different Approaches 16 Conclusion 17 References 19 Appendix 22 Appendix 1: Zaccaro’s Model to Trait Approach 22 Appendix 2 : LPC Scale 22 Appendix 3: Fielder's Contingency model 23 Appendix 4: Harsey and Blanchard Situational Model 23 Appendix 5: Transformational Approach to Leadership 24 Introduction The purpose of this essay is to discuss different approaches to leadership. Different approaches to leadership have been described using different models along with charts and tables to provide a better understanding on each model. It also states the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and how the disadvantage of one approach gave emergence...
Words: 5191 - Pages: 21
...1.2. LEADERSHIP THEORIES – FROM GREAT MAN THEORY TO TRANSACTIONAL THEORY A review of the leadership literature reveals an evolving series of 'schools of thought' from “Great Man” and “Trait” theories to “Transformational” leadership (see table). Whilst early theories tend to focus upon the characteristics and behaviours of successful leaders, later theories begin to consider the role of followers and the contextual nature of leadership. * Great man theories. This theory is based on the belief that leaders are extraordinary people, born with innate qualities, destined to lead by nature. The utilization of the term 'man' was made by purpose since until the latter part of the twentieth century leadership was thought of as a concept which is primarily male, military and Western. This first approach led to the next school of Trait Theories. * Trait theories - The lists of traits or qualities associated with leadership exist in abundance and continue to be produced. They draw on virtually all the adjectives in the dictionary which describe some positive or virtuous human attribute, from ambition to zest for life. * Behaviourist Theories - These concentrate on what leaders actually do rather than on their qualities. Different patterns of behaviour are observed and categorised as 'styles of leadership'. This area has probably attracted most attention from practising managers * Situational Leadership - This approach sees leadership as specific to the situation in which...
Words: 2051 - Pages: 9
...This paper will compare and contrast trait and situational approach leadership theories, the development of the theories and how effective each are in organizations. This paper will compare each approach, some of their research history and the challenges they faced in the past and the challenges they may or may not face in the future. The trait approach is the oldest theory that have been researched by numerous researchers. The situational approach consist of two elements that focus on leadership style and the development of subordinates. The strengths and weakness of each approach will also be compared and constrast. Contrast and Comparison: An examination of Trait and Situational Leadership Approaches There are over 200 definitions for leadership that have used since the 1900’s. The ability to impress the will of the leader, acts by persons which influence other persons in a shared direction, and do as the leader wishes are a few definitions that were used during the 1900’s (Northouse, 2013). Today, leadership is defined as a process that involves individuals or groups to reach a common goal (Northouse, 2013,). It’s motivating and persuading people to obtain a desired result through communication and influence. Leadership is also defined as a process that happens between a leader and a follower (Northouse, 2013). During the 20th century, researchers belived that there were natural born leaders who were born with the “trait” to lead. They believed these individuals...
Words: 1124 - Pages: 5
...OCTOBER 2, 2015 QUIZ Ten Leadership Theories 1. The Great Man Theory – Great Leaders are Born, not Made. 2. The Trait Theory of Leadership – Ideal Characteristics for Leaders. 3. The Skills Theory of Leadership – Ideal Technical, Personal and Conceptual Skills for Managers and Leaders. 4. The Style Theories of Leadership – e.g Leadership Continuum, Managerial Grid. 5. The Situational Leadership Theory – There is no-one-size-fits-all-model, the leader must adapt. 6. The Contingency Theory - There is no-one-size-fits-all-model, choose an appropriate leader. 7. Transactional Leadership Theory – People follow leaders based on ‘transactions’ – a mix of rewards, incentives and punishments. A quid pro quo approach. 8. Leader – Member Exchange Theory – Similar to transactional theory, but stresses presence of an ingroup and outgroup. 9. Transformational Leadership Theory – Leaders are gaining the commitment of their employees by inspiring, encouraging, and caring for their followers. 10. Servant Leadership Theory – The leader starts by identifying the needs of the followers and views his own role as merely serving the followers. The Great Man Theory – Great Leaders are Born, not Made. This approach emphasized that a person is born with or without the necessary traits of leaderships. Early explanations of leadership studied the “traits” of great leaders. Belief that people were born with these traits and only the great people...
Words: 438 - Pages: 2
...identified for this report; they are the Trait Approach, the Skills Approach, The Style Approach, and the Situational Approach. For over a century researchers have been trying to define what makes an effective or good leader, there are several theories with the most common question appearing to be are good or effective leaders born or bred. Our book, Leadership Theory and Practice, treats leadership as a complex process having multiple dimensions. (Northouse, 2013). The Trait Approach was identified as one of the earliest attempts to study leadership in the early 20th century. The characteristics traits of great political, military, and social leaders were studied and examined to identify qualities that clearly separated the leaders from the followers. The concept that leaders were born with these trait and only the “great” people possessed them. (Bass, 1990; Jago, 1982). Stogdill (1948, 1974) in his first study identified that the average individual who was in a leadership role posses the following eight (8) traits which separated them from the average group member: Intelligence Alertness Insight Responsibility Initiative Persistence Self confidence Sociability The person who posses these traits is not automatically a leader, and a person who is a leader in one situation may not be the leader in a different situation. Stogdill’s second study in 1974, identified the following ten (10) traits that are positively associated with leadership: Drive for responsibility and...
Words: 514 - Pages: 3
...I. Introduction Leadership has gained more attention of researchers from the whole world. Leadership is needed to corporations because it could bring extra assets to organizations and increase the line of bottom ultimately. There is a wide variety of theoretical approaches to analysis the complexities process of leadership. The essay will introduce three main leadership approaches: Trait approach, Situational & Contingency approach and Transformational approach. These approaches have their similarities and distinction. Compare and contrast these three research strands and critically discuss what they contribute to our understanding of leadership effectiveness. Discuss with example to indentify how I understand about these approaches by using real organization and how they work and help the organizations more efficiency. II. Three Leadership Approaches 1. The Trait Approach As one of the earliest theories of leadership, Trait approach suggests that certain individuals have special inborn characteristics or qualities which support people to be leaders, and that it is these qualities that differentiate them from non-leaders. (Northouse P.G 2013) Personal attributes or characteristics of leaders, such as physical and personality trait, competencies and values are the key ideas of trait approach. (Gardner. J.W 1989) Self-confidence, intelligence, ambition, perseverance, assertiveness, emotional stability, creativity, and motivation such a list of characteristics is...
Words: 3256 - Pages: 14
...HEAD: LEADERSHIP APPROACH PAPER Leadership Approach Paper University of Phoenix LDR 531/ Organizational Leadership March 31, 2013 Leadership Approach Research on leadership has been occurring for centuries and has continued to evolve over the course of time. So much research is available that it is necessary to categorize it to emphasize potential relationships that tie them together. According to Yuki, "common practice is to limit the focus to one type of leader characteristic, namely traits, behavior, or power" (Yuki, 2010, p. 13). Focusing on the trait approach, a definition will be provided and an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of this approach will be discussed. Trait Approach Trait approach is defined as "personal attributes (or traits) of leaders, such as physical and personality characteristics, competencies, and values"(Fleenor, 2006, p. 830). The idea behind early research was that certain people had traits from birth that enabled them to be leaders. Researchers have created lists to describe the character traits of leaders;...
Words: 654 - Pages: 3
...Leadership Theory Mid Term Paper For this paper I decide to look at four of the leadership theories. The ones I chose are Trait, Contingency, Situational, and Behavioral. I will talk about the definitions of those four theories. Also I will discuss the overviews of the four theories including positives and negativities of each. Leadership Theories There is a wide and ever growing variety of theories to explain the concept and practice of leadership; to me leadership is a dynamic and complex process. Per our text book leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes and outcomes that reflect their shared purposes. (Daft, 2011) The theories that I will talk about simplify leadership into different theories. The first I will talk about is the Trait Theory. Trait theory assumes that people inherit certain qualities and traits that make them better suited to leadership. (Cherry, 2012) Also Trait theories often identify particular personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders. (Cherry, 2012) Per our text book traits are the distinguishing personal characteristics of a leader, such as intelligence, honesty, self confidence, and appearance. (Daft, 2011) Contingency Theories of leadership focus on particular variables related to the environment that might determine which particular style of leadership is best suited for the situation. (Cherry, 2012) Success with this theory depends upon a number of variables and qualities...
Words: 1336 - Pages: 6
...Report on leadership theores 1.0 Introduction A distinction of leadership from management suggested by Gold, Thorpe and Mumford, (2010:26) indicates that Managers plan, set targets, allocate resources and steps to achieving goals while at the same time organising human resources with the aim to delegate responsibilities. The role is control motivated and focuses on completion of tasks. Whereas, Leaders are accountable for envisioning based on direction, communication, support, empowerment to instil strength and unity in the workforce. Leaders encompass motivation and inspiration in subordinates though involvement in the process, recognising and rewarding success while nurturing informal relationships and networks. Early leadership theories focused on the leaders and which qualities distinguished leaders and followers, the notion of Great man theory which Bass suggests (in Northouse: 15) is the notion of heroic leaders that are born not made, like Mohandas Gandhi. Leadership theories evolved from great man though trait theories, behaviourist theories, situational leadership, contingency theory and on to transactional and transformational leadership. The progression of theories highlights a shift in generic characteristics and behaviors of leaders to recognition of the importance of responding to different situations and contexts and the leaders’ role in relation to followers. (Gosling, Marturano, and Dennison. 2003:6) Great man theory developed in the mid-19th century was...
Words: 2379 - Pages: 10
...| TRAIT APPROACH | STYLE APPROACH | CONTIGENCY APPROACH | Description | * Trait Approach: one of the first systematic attempts to study leadership * “Great Man” Theories (early 1900s)Focused on identifying innate qualities and characteristics possessed by great social, political, & military leaders | * Emphasizes the behavior of the leader * Focuses exclusively on what leaders do and how they actPurpose: explain how leaders combine two kinds of behaviors to influence subordinates in their efforts to reach a goal. * Task Behaviors - help group members to achieve objectives * Relationship Behaviors - help subordinates feel comfortable | * Effective leadership is contingent on matching a leader’s style to the right setting * Assessment based on: * Leadership Styles * Situational Variables * Leadership styles are described as: * Task-motivated (Low LPCs) Leaders are concerned primarily with reaching a goal * Relationship-motivated (High LPCs)Leaders are concerned with developing close interpersonal relationships * Leader Style Measurement Scale (Fiedler)High LPCs = Relationship-motivated Low LPCs = Task-motivated | Strengths | * In the leadership process, the traits approach highlights the leader component * The trait approach is that it has a credibility due to a century of research support * Deeper level understanding of how leader/personality related to leadership process * The trait approach provides benchmarks for what...
Words: 647 - Pages: 3
...main approach applications in leadership of organization, including trait approach, situational & contingency approach and transformational approach. And this style of leadership is more inclined to believe that the qualities a person is born, not developed or the relationships develop followers. The concept is that humanity is born with certain personality traits, called “a born leader” (Fred, R). For example, like these well-known people, Catherine the Great, Mohandas Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte and Steve Jobs, the common ground is that they are born leaders, the people are willing to follow with them because of the charisma (Bass, 1990; Jago, 1982). Next, situational leadership was developed by Paul Hersey, a professor, and Ken Blanchard, a leadership expert in 1977, and this theory focuses on the action of the leader depends upon the situational and followers (Cynthia, M). Closely related to the situational approach is what has become know as the contingency approach. The contingency theory of leadership was presented by the Austrian psychologist Fred Edward in 1964. Compared to situational approach, the contingency approach while emphasizing the situation, but also emphasizes the leaders personality (Sirje, V, 2009). Last, in the past two decades, a new paradigm for understanding leadership has gained more academic attention called transformational leadership. This theory was developed by Bernard Bass (1997), and transformational leadership has...
Words: 1997 - Pages: 8
...Leadership Styles & Approaches 1. Charismatic Leadership- Describes follower perceptions that the leader is endowed with exceptional qualities. Have a strong need for power, high self-confidence, and a strong conviction in their beliefs and ideals. Expresses strong positive emotion such as enthusiasm and optimism to influence followers. Leaders who use authority to implement an innovative strategy for attaining important objectives may gain more expert power if the strategy is successful, but unless they articulate an ideological vision to justify the strategy, they are unlikely to appear charismatic. The leader's methods for attaining the idealized goal must differ from conventional ways of doing things in order to impress followers that the leader is extraordinary. Charismatic leaders are more likely to emerge in crisis situations where people are worried about economic loss, physical danger, or threats to core values. Charismatic leaders tend to make more risky decisions that can result in a serious failure, and they tend to make enemies who will use such a failure as an opportunity to remove the leader from office. 2. Transformational Leadership- Describes how effective leaders inspire and transform followers by appealing to their ideals and emotions. Appeals to moral values of followers in an attempt to raise their consciousness about ethical issues. Transformational behaviors include Idealized influence, Individualized consideration, Inspirational motivation...
Words: 1325 - Pages: 6
