Leadership Theory Paper

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 mainleadership 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,
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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