Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is leadership?
3. Who is a leader?
4. Key Theories of Leadership
5. The Charismatic Leaders and their leadership
6. Contingent Leaders, a model to follow?
7. Conclusion
Introduction
This report reviews and examines the theories behind leadership; identifying and analysing the concept of leadership and leaders from an analytical perspective. Some of the key points will focus on areas I have particular disputes with. Areas such as:
• What is leadership?
• Who is a leader?
• Key Theories of Leadership
As I believe, it’s a journey into the unknown which would require the making critical choices. The role of the “Leader” I believe sometimes relates to the individual to delegate the set goals or mission to the followers and believe the “Followers” have the belief and confidence in the “Leader” in how he/she has decided to execute the set goals and missions. Therefore the leader has to demand structure and organise how the followers must or should complete the task laid out to attain the success or victory of the mission. From a scientific perspective the only measurement tool here is the success or victory of the mission, regardless of ethics or principles, step by step quantifiable measurement, morals and wider impacts. Also the question into, is the “Leader” acting in the best of everyone’s interest, is there compassion and total unbiased approach and is there room for the “Follower” to openly call into question the methods employed and approach; ultimately is the leader able to take on-board concerns and alternative views to change/alter the course /route in delivering the success needed. Some of the definitions of the “Leader” I have observed reads; A leader has a vision. Leaders see a problem that needs to be fixed or a goal that needs to be achieved. It may be something that no one else sees or simply something that no one else wants to tackle. Whatever it is, it is the focus of the leader's attention and they attack it with a single-minded determination. From a scientific background and approach, this is nonsense. We are all genetically different, our approach, skills, values, background/upbringing, fields of expertise is completely different. Hence a “Leader” seeing a problem no-one else sees is purely observation.
KEY THEORIES OF LEADERSHIP
Some of the underlying theories examined in class focus on some of this leadership theories
• Trait Theory
• Behavioural Theory
• Contingency Theory
• Charismatic Leadership
• Transformational Leadership
I will give a very brief out-line on Contingency Theory and Charismatic Leadership, while also assessing in very brief detail into transformational leadership.
CONTINGENCY THEORY
Contingency theory of leadership emphasizes that effectiveness of leadership is dependent on matching a leader’s style to the right situation. This theory was originally developed by Fred Fiedler; after studying various leaders in different contexts, but predominantly military. Contingency theory inadvertently assumes that styles are behaviours that cannot be influenced or modified.
This form of leadership takes into consideration three key factors, of which are:
Leader-Member Relation: A measure of leadership acceptance between the organizational hierarchies. If the subordinates have trust, confidence and feel adequately motivated by their superiors, then this is a positive step
Task Structure: A measure of the clarity of the project or tasks and the...
