Essay about Leadership Theories
Provide at least two examples of leadership theories and how to implement them in order to improve the relationship between management and floor workers. "Transformational Theory states that leadership is the process by which a person engages with others and is able to create a connection that results in increased motivation and morality in both followers and leaders" (Wolinski, 2010, p. 2). This theory suggest that a leader must first become aware of his or her own thoughts, feelings and motivation before they can encourage others to do the same. Once the leader becomes aware, their perception increases and the leader is better able to choose actions that are compatible with the needs of the persons they supervise. The...show more content...
They should learn to control their personal feelings about each other and the way they express those feelings at the workplace. "The key to transformational leadership is for the leader to be attentive to the needs and motives of followers in an attempt to help them reach their maximum potential" (Wolinski, 2010, p.2). Leaders who practice transformational leadership are successful in initiating, developing, and implementing important changes in an organization.
Differences between leadership and management "According to the current wisdom, managers are principally administrators; they write business plans, set budgets and monitor progress. Leaders on the other hand, get organizations and people to change. Management is a function that must be exercised in any business; leadership is a relationship between leader and employees that can energize an organization" (Maccoby, 2000, p. 1). While leaders set the vision for employees, mangers direct the vision; sometimes there is an overlap of roles. Employees follow leaders either because the leader is successfully and productive or out of fear. The leaders at Woody's are dangerous to the employees and the organization, they evoke unprofessional and unsafe behavior such as grinding up good veneer by the floor workers. A change in leadership style could improve the behavior and networking with the floor workers. The leaders at Woody's can design new
Outline Of Leadership Theories
Xiaowei Qi
ED 173
Final Paper Outline
The leadership models/theories that will be demonstrated are skills–based leadership, situational leadership, and leader–member exchange theory.
Skills–based leadership theory is a leader–centered model emphasizing skills and abilities that can be learned and developed (Armistead, 2017). More specifically, leadership is based on three skills: technical, human, and conceptual (Northouse, 2015). Technical skills related to knowledge about and proficiency in a specific field; human skills related to the ability to communicate with people; conceptual skills are the ability to work with ideas and concepts (Northouse, 2015). The three elements of skill approach are individual attributes, competencies, and leadership outcomes (Armistead, 2017). The skills approach implies that many people have leadership potential, and if they can learn from their experiences and training, they can improve their capabilities. This theory can help leaders identify their weaknesses and strengths. In the group project, my human skill is developed. When planning the project, I was able to work well with other. More specifically, through interacting...show more content...
It directs our attention to the importance of communication in leadership (Northouse, 2015). With leadership making approach, leaders should establish an interactive relationship with followers through keeping a high–quality communication in a positive and effective manner. In the group project, Andrea is more likely the one managing the team. During the stranger phase, no one would like to be more actively share information. After few days, in the acquaintance phase, Andrea and other members begin to have some social exchange. The team has not experienced the phase of mature partnership where the leader and followers have high–quality exchanges though having
Leadership Theory Paper
Leadership theory, or the scientific approach to understanding leadership, is a vast group of theories that try to explain what makes, or constitutes a great leader. There are many schools of thought on this subject and many pull from existing psychological theories, like Behavioral Theory, Developmental Theory, Personality Theory and Learning theory (Myers, 2014). There are three main leadership theories: trait theory, which suggests that some are born with certain traits that make them an effective leader, while behavioral theory focuses on how leader behave, while contingency theory addresses how the situation influences leadership.
The traits theory of leadership relies on the assumption that people are endowed with certain qualities or...show more content...
67).
The contingency theory of leadership works to predict which style is best in which circumstance, because what may work in one situation, may not work in another. Imagine that as a CEO, Helena always applied a democratic based leadership style, but one day the company was faced with a dilemma that she had to address immediately. Without the ability to consult her employees, Helena has to make a decision, and this will affect the entire company. This would be an example of the contingency theory of leadership, being able to change ones leadership style to suite the situation. The questions regarding what makes a great leader, are they born that way, is there certain behaviors that can be taught, and can one switch from one style of leadership to another, are addressed from multiple perspectives. Three main schools of thought, trait theory, behavioral theory and contingency theory, work to explain the social phenomena of leadership. Though they pull from psychological theories, they each contribute valuable pieces that strives to solve the riddle of what makes or constitutes a great leader. However, this riddle may be far less complex, as John Quincy Adams once said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" (Adams,
Leadership Theories Essay
LEADERSHIP HISTORY
1
Leadership History Tatiana M. Castaneda Vasquez Regent University
LEADERSHIP HISTORY Abstract
2
When power no longer guarantees the success, leadership becomes essential. In search of understand the secret behind outstanding leadership, history has created and revealed leadership theories, starting with Great Man approach, the identification of Trait and Characteristics, and later shifting to Behavior Theory, fomenting Contingency and Influence Models, concluding with Emerging Leadership. When environmental and societal changes occurred, the approaches were modified as scholar attempt of interpreting society and the impact that leaders have in history.
LEADERSHIP HISTORY
3
Historical Evolution...show more content...
LEADERSHIP HISTORY Contingency Theories (CT)
5
CT interpret effective leadership as affected by situational variables, including the followers, work environment and tasks, and the external environment (Daft, 2005, p.111). CT includes Fiedler's proposal of predominance and interaction between relationship or taskoriented leadership styles, as well as Hersey and Blanchard's focus on the characteristics of followers as producing favorable or unfavorable results, followed by the path–goal theory, Vroom Jago model, and substitutes–for–leadership approaches. If the leader understands how to properly interrelate with situational variables, the possibilities for success would be maximized. Influence Theories Leaders are challenged to persuade followers effectively integrating power and influence. Followers should be motivated, shaped and guided through Charismatic Leadership, "influence based...on the qualities and personality of the leader." (Daft, 2005, p.24). Bolman and Terrence (1991) identify four Leader worldviews that influence this approach: Structural, Human Resources, Political and Symbolic perspectives. The balanced perspective of leaders is directly related to Leadership vision to produce the best outcomes. (Daft, 2005). Relational Theories (RL) Motivation, empowerment, and strategic communication are crucial to the generation of success conditions. RL lead teams into
Essay on Different Leadership Theories
Running head: Different Leadership Theories
Essay
Ebony Bittings
Grand Canyon University: UDA–575
September 26, 2012
When you think of the terms: leader and leadership, you generally equate them with being only one person. However, my view of leadership, especially effective leadership, is a shared function between many individuals. There are numerous leadership theories. As a whole, leadership theories should be implemented to contribute to the improvement of our schools. I have chosen the school I currently teach at to serve as the subject of my research throughout the duration of this course. I work at an elementary school named Myrtle Ave Elementary school in Irvington, New Jersey. Dionne...show more content...
The only time we are occasionally able to give our input is on Tuesday's when we have grade level meetings. This is only of course if we are asked to do so. Otherwise we are given direct orders and are expected to follow and implement them without question. While I admit that my administrator has knowledge and expertise in some areas, the most successful leaders know that knowledge is strongest when it is shared and multiplied among the masses. In my opinion, Directive theories will never be a positive leadership style because it does not allow for administrators, staff and stakeholders to work collaboratively toward a common and shared goal. When people do not feel invested, they are less likely to contribute their time and dedication. There is absolutely no community involvement or support of my school. I blame my principal for that. The staff has asked numerous times to conduct community outreach programs but our administrator always makes excuses as to why it can't happen.
The actions of an administrator, such as moral, work ethic, academic optimism and trust, are often emulated by its staff. According to the article The Relationship between Distributed Leadership and Teachers' Academic Optimism (2008): 214–228. "This conception of leadership distribution patterns reflects theory and evidence suggesting that more coordinated forms of leadership distribution make more productive contributions to
Leadership Theories Essay
Trait Theory
"Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal" (Northouse, 2010, pg. 3).
In an increasingly politically correct, democratic society–where equality of treatment and equity of outcome oftentimes overshadow individual performance–trait theory of leadership has managed to survive. Instead of focusing on the context of a specific leadership situation or the subordinates in an organization, trait theory targets only the man or woman in charge. Essentially, trait theory suggests that potential leaders and great leaders who have already demonstrated success are best analyzed in a vacuum. While trait theory may have fallen in an out of favor over the past century, it...show more content...
Jesus, Washington, Napoleon, and the like found themselves aggregated with the hope of precipitating a set of essential leadership characteristics. "Trait theories did not make assumptions about whether leadership traits were inherited or acquired. They simply asserted that leaders' characteristics are different from non–leaders" (Kirkpatrick & Locke, 1991). Over the course of the theory's development the range of characteristics studied varied widely. Initially scholars focused on physical characteristics such as stature, physique, and weight (Kirkpatrick & Locke, 1991); later, personality aspects such as initiative, confidence and masculinity factored into studies (Northouse, 2010, pg. 19).
Strengths
Although not considered the preeminent leadership theory, falling prey to more teachable forms of leadership (i.e. transformational and authentic leadership) trait theory does possess some notable strengths. First, the theory is highly descriptive and intuitive. People naturally gravitate toward that which is straightforward. This strength is the primary reason that trait theory surfaced as the first major approach to leadership studies. As such, society knows a great deal about how "the leader and the leader's personality are related to the leadership process" (Northouse, 2010, pg. 26). Additionally, trait theory provides an individual with a quick tool which aids in selecting members of an organization as well as an easy means for feedback from
Leadership Theories
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...show more content...
Leadership Theories 4
Contingency Theory The Contingency Theory applied to factors unique to each situation to determine whether specific leader characteristics and behaviors will be effective. Researched findings credit Fiedler 's contingency theory as the first to specify how situational factors interact with leader traits and behavior to influence leadership effectiveness. This theory suggests high interest in the situation determines the effectiveness of task– and person–oriented leader behavior.
Transformational Theory The 1970s brought a number of emerging leadership theories, these theories focused on the importance of a leader 's charisma to leadership effectiveness. Many of these theories and models were the same. Transformational leadership theory separated itself between the transactional and the transformational leader. This leadership theory focuses on role and task requirements and utilizes rewards contingent on performance. Research shows that in contrast, transformational leadership focuses on developing mutual trust, fostering the leadership abilities of others, and setting goals that go beyond the short–term needs of the work group.
A large amount of credit is given to Bass 's transformational leadership theory identifies four aspects of
Leadership Theories
LEADERSHIP THEORIES.
1. "Great Man" Theories:
Have you ever heard someone described as "born to lead?" According to this point of view, great leaders are simply born with the necessary internal characteristics such as charisma, confidence, intelligence, and social skills that make them natural–born leaders.
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.
2. Trait Theories:
Similar in some ways to Great Man theories,...show more content...
5. Behavioral Theories:
Behavioral theories of leadership are based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born. Consider it the flip–side of the Great Man theories. Rooted in behaviorism, this leadership theory focuses on the actions of leaders not on mental qualities or internal states. According to this theory, people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation.
Behavioral theories focus on how leaders behave. For instance, do leaders dictate what needs to be done and expect cooperation? Or do they involve their teams in decision–making to encourage acceptance and support?
In the 1930s, Kurt Lewin developed a framework based on a leader's behavior. He argued that there are three types of leaders:
1. Autocratic leaders make decisions without consulting their teams. This style of leadership is considered appropriate when decisions need to be made quickly, when there's no need for input, and when team agreement isn't necessary for a successful outcome.
2. Democratic leaders allow the team to provide input before making a decision, although the degree of input can vary from leader to leader. This style is important when team agreement matters, but it can be difficult to manage when there are lots of different perspectives and ideas.
3. Laissez–faire leaders don't interfere; they allow people within the team to make many of the decisions. This works well when the team is highly capable, is motivated, and doesn't need
Leadership Theories Essay
Running head: Leadership Theories
Leadership Theories
Leadership Theories Leadership is a complex phenomenon, involving the constant interaction of three essential elements: the leader, the followers, and the surrounding situation or context (Wren, 1995, p. 125). Enhancing leadership requires extensive knowledge about each element and the relationships of each element to the other. The execution of this knowledge determines the quality of the leadership skills, which is essential to the survival of the organization. As noted in Bass (1990), effective leadership makes a difference in the subordinates' satisfaction and performance while making the difference in whether the organization succeeds or fails. Interest in historical...show more content...
Power and Influence theories are similar to behavior theories based on the type of behaviors the leaders use to inflict power. These behaviors include influence tactics such as rational persuasion, consultation, collaboration, and inspirational appeals. Power and Influence theories are also similar to the contingency theory as the influential behavior should be based on the situation to be effective.
Contingency Theories The Contingency approach focuses on effective leadership as a result of different behaviors to situational factors. McFadden, Eakin and Beck–Frazier (2005) in the Academic Exchange Quarterly stated effective behavior is contingent on the situation with the external factors being more important than the internal factors. These factors include the type of external environment and the possibility of a crisis; the characteristics and traits of the leader and what the followers expect from the leader; and the type of task and competency of the followers to complete the task. The contingency approach is based on the assumptions that a leader can have different traits and behaviors and be effective; and the situation determines which style or behavior will work best. Nahavandi ( 2006 ) identified Fred Fiedler's contingency approach to leadership as affirmation that leadership effectiveness is a function of the match between the leader's style and the situation. Fiedler defined a leadership situation to be