The document summarizes several leadership theories including: Great Man Theory which assumes great leaders are born; Trait Theory which believes certain inherent qualities make effective leaders; Behavioral Theory which proposes that leadership can be learned; Contingency Theory which contends that leadership style depends on situational factors; and Relationship Theories like Transformational Leadership which focus on the connections between leaders and followers and motivating people. The document also outlines theories like Management Theory which use reward and punishment, and Participative Theory which encourages input from group members.

1. Leadership Theories
Presented by:
Charan & Hussen
Tata Dhan Academy
Date: June 1, 2015

2. Leadership Theories
• Great Man Theory
• Trait Theory
• Contingency Theory
• Situational Theory
• Behavioral Theory
• Participative Theory
• Management Theory
• Relationship Theory

3. Great Man Theory
• 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.

4. Trait Theory
• It assumed people inherit certain qualities and traits that make
them better suited to leadership.
• Trait theory often identify particular personality or behavioral
characteristics shared by leaders
• But if particular traits are key features of leadership, how do
we explain people who possess those qualities but are not
leaders?

5. Six Traits That Differentiate Leaders
from Non leaders
1. Drive
2. Desire to lead
3. Honesty and integrity
4. Self-confidence
5. Intelligence
6. Job-relevant knowledge

6. Behavioral Theory
• Behavioral theories of leadership are based upon the belief that
great leaders are made, not born.
• 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.

7. Contingency Theory
• This theory focus on particular variables related to the
environment that might determine, which particular style of
leadership is best suited for the situation.
• According to this theory, no leadership style is best in all
situations.
• Success depends upon a number of variables, including the
leadership style, qualities of the followers, and aspects of the
situation.

8. Situational Theory
• This theory propose that leaders choose the best course of
action based upon situational variable.
• Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for
certain types of decision-making .

9. Difference
Contingency
• It focus on the effectiveness
of the leader based on
leadership style and
situation one tends to favor
• Style of leadership: Leader
and co-worker
• It predict all the followers
will function simultaneously
base on the style of the
leader
Situational
• Focus on the use of leaders
personal skill or natural
ability to lead in a current
situation.
• Style of leadership: Leader
and follower
• It believes that followers
have altered responses based
on their personal level
willing, able and confident.

10. Participative Theory
• It suggest that the ideal leadership style is one that takes the
input of others into account.
• These leaders encourage participation and contributions from
group members.
• It help group members feel more relevant and committed to
the decision-making process.
• Leader retains the right to allow the input of others.

11. Management Theory
• Management theories (also known as “Transactional theory”)
focus on the role of supervision, organization, and group
performance.
• These theory base leadership on a system of reward and
punishment.
• Managerial theories are often used in business; when
employees are successful, they are rewarded; when they fail,
they are reprimanded or punished.

12. Relationship Theories
• Relationship theories (also known as “Transformational
theories”) focus upon the connections formed between leaders
and followers.
• These leaders motivate and inspire people by helping group
members see the importance and higher good of the task.
• Transformational leaders are focused on the performance of
group members, but also want each person to fulfill his or her
potential.
• These leaders often have high ethical and moral standards

13. Transactional V/s Transformational Leadership

14. Relationship between change and complexity to the
amount of transactional and transformation
leadership required

15. Reference
• Source: Reprinted from “Leadership: Do Traits Really Matter?” by S. A.
Kirkpatrick and E. A. Locke by permission of Academy of Management
Executive, May 1991, pp.48–60. © 1991 by Academy of Management
Executive.
• The Evolution of Leadership Theory.
• Changingminds.org
• 8 Major Leadership Theories, By Kendra Van Wagner
•

16. Thank You