Leadership in the public service of Kenya

SENIOR MANAGEMENT
COURSE
LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Gabriel Lubale
Phone: 0726 934441

1 Copyright © 2012 www.gabriellubale.com

Objectives
1. Describe the nature and role of
leadership in the public Service.
2. Identify the qualities of a good
leader.
3. Identify the factors influencing
public service leadership.
4. Apply styles and strategies
appropriate in the 21st Century
2 Public Service.
Copyright © 2012 www.gabriellubale.com

Opening Shot
Are leaders born or made?


Opening Shot .. contd
Ans 1. Leaders are neither born nor made.
However, most research findings indicate that
leaders are made by the environment in which
they are brought up. Some research findings
also indicate that certain cognitive abilities
and personality traits are at least partly innate
(inborn). This implies that certain natural
abilities may offer certain advantage or
disadvantage to a leader.
Ans 2.“ Leaders can trained or can be
nurtured”.

Definition
leadership (n) 1. The position or
function of a leader. 2. the period
during which a person occupies the
position of leader: during her
leadership very little was achieved.
3. a. the ability to lead. b. (as modifier):
leadership qualities.
4. the leaders as a group of a
party, union, etc.: the union leadership
5 Copyright © now very reactionary. Source: The
is 2012 www.gabriellubale.com
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

Definition by the Leadership Gurus
“The only definition of a leader
is someone who has followers."
Peter Drucker
“Leadership is influence -
nothing more, nothing less."
John C Maxwell.


Definition by the Leadership Gurus
… contd
"Leadership is a function of knowing
yourself, having a vision that is well
communicated, building trust among
colleagues, and taking effective action to realize
your own leadership potential." Warren Bennis
“if you know yourself, you need not fear the result
of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not
the enemy, for every victory gained you will also
suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor
yourself, you will succumb in every battle…..
Thus Leadership is state of warfare; therefore the
Leader must have self-awareness. Sun Tzu

Definition… the facilitator’s thoughts
Leadership is defined in different
ways but the elements commonly
emphasized are to “guide”, “direct”
“control” and “influence”.
Leadership thus connotes not only
having the power and authority but
also being accountable to the people.
Leader rises or falls on the foundation
a vision (a dream) and Mission (a
sense of purpose) entrenched in their
8 personal core values.

Definition… the facilitator’s thoughts:
Power, Authority and Accountability .. contd


Sources of Power
Legitimate Power - is based on the belief
that the individual holding position of
leadership has authority or the right to
exercise influence over others because of his
or her role in the organization.
Reward Power - is based on the control and
management of rewards considered of value
to others. It is based on the ability to
administer resources such as
pay, promotion, fridge
benefit, praise, recognition and responsibility.

Sources of Power .. contd
Coercive Power - is based on the ability of the leader
to effect punishment on the others, when they have
not engaged in expected behavior. Coercive methods
include reprimand, pay deduction withholding
promotion or privileges.
Reverent Power - is based on the perceived
attractiveness, personal characteristics or
attributes, charisma or reputation of the leader. It is
the process of identity with another person or a leader
because of desirable qualities of that person.
Expert Power - is based on the perceived technical
or professional expertise of the leader. It is based on
credibility and clear evidence of the expertise or
knowledge in a given profession.

Leadership Styles
1. Behavior Styles.
2. Situational Approach
(Contingency
Model).
3. Functional (Group
Approach).

Leadership Styles .. contd
1. Behavior Styles - This approach
focuses on leader action (behavior)
rather than attributes or personality
characteristics.
Three classic styles of leadership
behavior are:
1.Authoritarian or Autocratic .
2.Democratic or Participatory.
3.Laissez-Faire or Give freedom.

2. Situational Approach (Contingency Model)
The basic premise for this approach is that
leader’s effectiveness is contingent upon an
appropriate match between the leader’s styles
and the degree to which he or she controls the
situation.
Two leadership styles have been identified:
1. Task oriented Styles. The leaders emphasize
the tasks that the group is supposed to perform.
Also consider more the job and less the people.
2. Relationship oriented styles. The leaders are
interested in building cooperative and harmonious
working relationship. That is employee centered.
The leader highly considers the employees' and
14 their welfare

3. Functional (Group Approach)
This approach focuses on the functions that a
leader has to perform in his or her leadership
duties. The approach maintains that to be
effective a leader has to satisfy three
categories of needs in the workgroup.
1. Task need – need to achieve common
tasks.
2. Team needs- need for team maintenance .
3. Individual needs –needs of the individual
15 Copyright member.
© 2012 www.gabriellubale.com

Class Discussion Questions 1st
Leg


Question No. 1
Having been introduced to
leadership and theories of
leadership styles.Appreciating
your competence (experience
and Knowledge). What do you
consider as some of the
appropriate leadership
17
strategies in the 21st century in

Suggested Answers – Question No.1
1. Enforcing legality – Registration and
compliance.
2. Limiting the terms in the office and age for
aspirants.
3. Institutionalizing succession management – “
abolish till I die mentality”.
4. Embracing inclusivity of all – minority and
marginalized groups, age and gender. “Banish
the winner takes it all”
5. Observing Meritocracy when appointing or
promoting officers both from within and from
18 outside.

Question No. 2
How do we Overcome the
leadership obstacles?


Suggested Answers – Question No.2
1. Champion issues critical
2. Support policies and programmes for the public
sector
3. Initiate debate on campaign reforms
4. Promote targeted policies and legislation to
empower
5. Network with the private sector ( Corporate and
Civil Society
6. Nurture constituency based on records of
performance and service
7. Collaborate with elected leaders

Qualities of Good Leaders according to
Jahan Rounaq of Columbia University
A. Vision and B. Institutional
Commitment Behavior
1. Equality 1. Participatory
2. Equity 2. Egalitarian
3. Empowerment 3. Responsive
4. Human rights 4. Transparent
5. Peace 5. Accountable
6. Sustainability 6. Non-corrupt
7. Shared 7. Consensus-oriented
power, responsibility, 8. Empowering
well-being

Management Science for Health (MSH)

1. Integrity
2. Respect for others
3. Health Risk taking
4. Committed to long-time
Learning.


Department of Personnel Management (DPM)
1. Integrity
2. Respect for National Diversity
and Gender Diversity
3. Meritocracy (the Best)
4. Fairness (Natural Law of Justice)
5. Confidentiality (Secrecy)


Class Discussion Questions 2nd
Leg


Questions No. 3
Identify some of the
factors influencing
leadership in the Civil
Service in Kenya?


Suggested Answers Questions No. 3
1. Family / Clan legacy.
2. Proximity to urban centers.
3. Proximity to Religious Cradles stations –
Church, Mosques and other shrines.
4. Education.
5. Wealth or Poverty.


Questions and Comments


Leadership in the public service of Kenya

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