Leadership Theories
Leonard da Vinci once stated that a person who prefers to practice without theories can get lost on his path, just like a sailor who ventures out into the ocean without a rudder and a compass. There are eight principle theories regarding leadership. An aspiring leader must know a bit about all of them. The first is the ‘Great Man’ Theory. This theory is based on the assumption that the leadership qualities are inherent and believes in the saying—Great leaders are born.
This theory paints a leader as mythic and heroic person and someone who is bound to reach the higher echelons of leadership. This leadership was considered strictly masculine and military sense. Second theory is called as the Trait Theory. This theory too, believes that leadership qualities are intrinsic. This theory identifies with particular behavioral characteristics of a leader like adaptability, ambitiousness, cooperativeness, and some skills like diplomacy, fluency in speaking, creativity. This theory fails to explain why some people fail to be good leaders despite the presence of the traits which are essential to be a good leader.
Next in the line is Contingency Theory. This theory focuses on some variables which are related to the environment that can determine which style of leadership is best in that situation. The essence of this theory is that it states that no particular style of leadership is suitable for all the situations. The theory states that the success of leadership is dependant on a number of factors which may include the qualities of the comrades, the style of leadership and some varying circumstantial aspects. Situational theory of leadership believes that a good leader chooses the best possible courses depending upon situations.
The theory elaborates that choice of styles of leadership is affected by the situational variables. The appropriate choice of style of leadership can only be made by judging the intensity of the situation. The fifth theory is the Behavioral Theory. This theory has a belief contrary to that of the ‘Great Man’ theory. This theory says that great leaders are not born but they are made.
This theory spotlights actions of a leader and do not pay unnecessary attention to the internal states and the mental qualities. This theory is deeply rooted in behaviorism. The Participative Theory of leadership suggests an ideal leadership theory which takes opinions various other people into account. This theory promotes contribution and participation of team mates in the decision making process.
It says that by doing so group members become committed to the task and feel more relevant for the task. It gives an impetus to their confidence but keeps the rights of decision making with leader at the same time. The next theory is known as Management or Transactional theory. As the name suggests, this theory is based on the organization, supervision, and group performance. The underlying guiding principle of this theory is reward and punishment. This theory is particularly used in business where employees are punished for failures and rewarded for success. The last theory of leadership is the Relationship Theory. This is also known as Transformational Theory. It is clear as a day that this theory rests on the leader and follower relationship.
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