...Leadership is defined as the process through which a group or individual influences others to obtain certain objectives and goals which results to improve in the direction of an organization. It can also be defined as the ability to inspire and motivate others to take a new direction that will improve the efficiency and coherency of the group. Leaders are able to do this by applying their leadership skills and knowledge. Though leadership is learned the knowledge and skills that are processed by the leader are often influenced by their traits and attributes such as character, ethics, values and beliefs. Leadership is more strategic in nature. Management is a process of exercising supervisory, administrative and executive direction of an organization in order to improve organizational performance. An act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively. Managers direct are preoccupied with the right way to do things by following policy and procedure and get results from subordinates through authority. There is an ongoing argument in the field of leadership regarding whether or not leaders and managers are two completely different parts of an organization. A person can be a great manager, a great leader or both, but both these two areas often require a mastery of certain competencies and skills. While management produces consistency and order, a leader produces change and movement. A leader innovates while...
Words: 1376 - Pages: 6
...Leadership Approach: Trait Theory There are many approaches to leadership within an organization. “Early leadership theories focused on what qualities distinguished leaders and followers, while subsequent theories looked at other variables such as situational factors and skill levels“(Cherry, 2013). This paper chooses to evaluate the trait approach to studying leadership. Through the course of this paper, the implications, strengths, and weaknesses of the theory will be explored. Implications of the Trait Theory As previously noted, the trait theory assumes “that people inherit certain qualities and traits that make them better suited to leadership” (Cherry, 2013). The trait theory can be applied in multiple leadership positions within multiple types of organizations. Taking the information retained from this theory and its research, managers not only assess the current personnel within leadership positions but also can assess what traits can are currently successful in alternate leadership positions. The trait theory is not dependent on any particular type or organization or sect of leadership. “Scholars taking the trait approach attempted to identify physiological (appearance, height, and weight), demographic (age, education and socioeconomic background), personality (self confidence and aggressiveness), intellective (intelligence, decisiveness, judgment, and knowledge), task related (achievement drive, initiative...
Words: 672 - Pages: 3
...Assignment 2 Brenda M Healy Grand Canyon University: LDR 600 Leadership Styles and Development 7/4/2014 Based on the models of Katz and Mumford, The two do have different styles of coaching. Katz used a skills approach the key concept is of a leader is Mobilizing innovation and change, Managing people and task, Communication and managing self. Coach K conceptualizes has creativity, risk and visioning the future. Coach Knight has concept ability, takes risk, and visioning the future he lacks creativity. Coach Knight has all the qualities of managing people and task. Coach Knight has coordinating, planning, controlling, and organizing. However he does not have good decisions making he is controlling vs leading, he creates conflict and manages vs leading. Coach K has all interpersonal skills needed for communication where as coach Knight is lacking listening he does have the written and oral skills to establish goals for his vision. Finally managing self again coach K has all the qualities used in keeping himself calm and professional while being all business during the games. Again coach knight is lacking qualities needed he has difficult maintaining his emotions and does have high technical thinking but low personal management. Using the above skills the two coaches fit into the middle management which is the strongest type because they...
Words: 449 - Pages: 2
...COMPARISON AND CONTRAST OF TRAIT-BASED, SITUATIONAL, AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORIES 1 Comparison and Contrast of Trait-Based, Situational, and Transformational Leadership Theories Ciprian Patrulescu Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2132126 COMPARISON AND CONTRAST OF TRAIT-BASED, SITUATIONAL, AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORIES 2 Abstract This research paper compares and contrasts several leadership theories, the evolution of the theories, and future research implications. The leadership theories discussed in the paper include the trait-based, situational, and transformational leadership theories. Trait-based theories represented the earliest attempts to quantitatively study leaders and leadership effectiveness by focusing on the innate skills and traits of the person. Situational theories expanded to explore the influence of different situations on leadership. Lastly, transformational leadership theories further expanded on the role of the leader in motivating followers through inspiration. Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2132126 COMPARISON AND CONTRAST OF TRAIT-BASED, SITUATIONAL, AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORIES 3 Comparison and Contrast of Trait-based, Situational, and Transformational Leadership Theories There are almost as many definitions of leadership as there are persons who have tried to define leadership (Stogdill, 1974). The definition of leadership by Weathersby (1999,...
Words: 6280 - Pages: 26
...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
...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
...The Great Man Theory “The history of the world is but the biography of great men,” said Thomas Carlyle, “19th-century commentator and historian,” and developer of the Great Man Theory. (Princeton). Thus is the premise of the Great Man Theory; Carlyle believed that “great men and women shape history rather than being merely shaped by it” (Turak). “Great leaders are not made but born with unique characteristics which allow them to rise to the occasion during difficult periods in history to overcome obstacles” (Great man theory of leadership). In other words, each person’s attributes are what make each person successful as opposed to external forces. House Path Goal Theory The House Path Goal Theory was developed by Robert J. House and has four different leadership behaviors. “Each leadership behavior aims to maximize worker outcomes by recognizing the impact of both environmental factors and worker characteristics in job performance” (The Path-Goal). The four leadership behaviors are achievement-oriented behavior, directive path-goal clarifying behavior, supportive leader behavior, and participative leader behavior. Achievement-oriented behavior is based on “setting goals that challenge employees” (The Path-Goal). Directive path-goal clarifying behavior is defining functions and expectations of employees so that there is not any confusion. Supportive leader behavior is “support[ing] a subordinate’s psychological well being” through “stress reduction and frustration mitigation”...
Words: 744 - Pages: 3
...Running head: Leadership Theories Leadership Theories Latrina George Amberton University April 30, 2014 Leadership Theories Overview What makes a great leader? Are there certain skills or common traits good leaders possess that others don’t? What makes a leader stand out? These questions have fascinated humans throughout history. There have been many studies about leadership and a host of researchers and philosophers have tackled this subject and published their findings. Much of the interest in leadership started around the beginning of the twentieth century. Early leadership theories primarily focused on identifying qualities that distinguished leaders from followers. Subsequent leadership theories addressed more of the leadership skills. This paper is an overview of eight leadership theories that incorporate both germinal and current research and findings. Great Man Theory The Great Man Theory evolved around the 19th century (1847 – 1960). This theory asserts that leaders are born – not made and that leadership skills and attributes are inherited. While there were many historians who supported the Great Man Theory, it is Thomas Carlyle, a commentator and historian, who has been most associated with this theory. Carlyle stated, “The history of the world is but the biography of great men.” Carlyle and others like him felt that history was directly influenced by great men and heroes and their leadership characteristics. (Great Man Theory, n.d., para. 1) There are...
Words: 1899 - Pages: 8
...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
...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. ...
Words: 1371 - Pages: 6
...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 Leadership is "the behaviour of an individual when he is directing the activities of a group towards a shared goal". (Hemphill and Coons, 1957, p.7) Put more simply, the leader is the inspiration and director of the action. The Leader is the person in the group that possesses the personal skills that inspire others to follow in a specific direction. In business, leadership is largely attributed to performance. The main aim objective of leaders is to increase the company’s sales or market share. Many people tend to confuse the definitions of leadership and management. Kotter (1990:103) argues that management and leadership are “two distinctive and complementary systems of action”. Whilst leadership involves coping with complexity, management involves coping with change. In order to better understand the complexities of leadership one should compare and analyse the various leadership theories. In this essay we will further investigate four of the relative leadership theories, namely; Great Man Theory, Trait Theory, Behavioural Theory and Participative Theory. The Great Man Theory assumes that the qualities needed for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born, not made. These theories often portray great leaders as heroic, mythic and destined to rise to leadership when needed. The term "Great Man" was used because, at the time, leadership was thought of primarily as a male quality, especially in terms of military leadership. Historian Thomas Carlyle had a...
Words: 845 - Pages: 4
...Running head: Great Man Theory, Trait Theory, Relationship Theory and Management Theories Comparison and Contrast of Leadership Theories Bobbi Warford University of Phoenix Table of Contents 1. Title Page………………………………………………………………….1 2. Table of Contents………………………………………………………….2 3.0 Abstract……………………………………………………………………3 4.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………. 4 5.0 Comparisons and Contrast………………………………………………5-6 6.0 Similarities and Differences……………………………………………..6-7 7.0 Conclusions……………………………………………………………...7-8 Abstract This paper discusses the comparisons, contrast, similarities and differences of the “Great Man” theory, Trait theory, Relationship theory, and Management theory. Great man theories and Trait theories were similar more than different. Transformational is more similar to charismatic leadership than transactional. 4.0 Introduction Great Man theories assume that the capacity for leadership is inherent that great leaders are born, not made. These theories often portray great leaders as heroic, mythic, and destined to rise to leadership when needed. The term “Great Man” was used because, at the time, leadership was thought of primarily as a male quality, especially in terms of military leadership (About, Inc., 2007). Trait theories similar in some ways to “ Great Man” theories, trait theories assumes that people inherit certain...
Words: 1325 - Pages: 6
...| The Importance Of Leadership | Theory & Concepts | | The definition of leadership and a look into the classical leadership theories and concepts. | | Toni James | 10/29/2012 | | Contents Introduction p.2 Defining Leadership p.2, 3 Introducing Theory and Concepts p.3 Traits Theory p.3, 4 Behaviour Theories p.5, 6 Contingency theory p.5 Transactional and Transformational Theory p.5, 6 Conclusion p.6, 7 Reference List p.8, 9 Bibliography p.9 Appendix 1 p.10 Introduction The following report will focus on defining leadership, research and comparison into leadership theories and concepts. It will look at appropriate leadership concepts that can be applied to Paragon Software in order to help grow market share. Defining Leadership Leadership is viewed in a number of different ways and there are many interpretations of its meaning. Leadership may be exercised as an attribute of position, or because of personal knowledge or wisdom. Leadership may be based on a function of personality, or it can be seen as a behavioural category. It may also be viewed in terms of a leader’s ability to achieve effective performance from others. (Mullins, 2009) Stogdill (1974, p.259) concluded that there are almost as many definitions of leadership as there are persons who have attempted to define the concept. (Stogdill, 1974) There lie two fundamental difficulties in defining leadership. Firstly, leadership is open to subjective interpretation...
Words: 1787 - Pages: 8
...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
