This is a Public Administration Theory

1. Great Man
THE
March 2, 2024
THEORY

2. The
Great Man Theory
A leadership theory that suggests exceptional leaders
possess inherent qualities that set them apart from others.
This theory implies that leadership is not a skill that can be
acquired through education or experience but rather a trait
one is born with.
Certain individuals are destined for leadership roles due to
their inherent characteristics such as intelligence, charisma,
courage, and decisiveness.

3. Historical Contexts and Origins
Thomas Carlyle - Scottish historian and
essayist in the 19th century
Encyclopedia Britannica Eleventh Edition
published in 1911

4. “The history of the world
is but the biography of
great men.”
-Thomas Carlyle

5. Key Concepts
Main Assumptions
The leaders are born and
not made and possess
certain traits which were
inherited
1.
Great leaders can arise
when there is a great need.
2.
Nature vs. Nurture
The great man theory of
leadership is an example of using
'nature' to explain human behavior.

6. 01
02
03
04
05
“Great Men”
CHARACTERISTICS OF
Extraversion
BIG FIVE
PERSONALITY TRAITS
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Neuroticism
Openness

7. PRIEST
DIVINITY PROPHET POET
Heroes viewed as a
god by their
followers. Primitive
stage of hero-
worship or in this
case, type of
leadership.
Leaders who bring
divine messages to
humanity. Able to
inspire and guide
others through
their teachings.
Leaders that use
creative abilities to
express profound
truths and emotions.
They inspire and
uplift others
through their
artistic works.
Leaders that provide
spiritual guidance,
perform sacred
rituals, and help
individuals find
meaning in their
lives.
ROLES OF AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER
KING
Leaders who can
bring order to chaos.
They can shape the
destiny of nations
and inspire their
people.
MAN OF LETTERS
Leaders that
advances knowledge
. They shape society
through their
writings, research,
and critical thinking.

8. 01
Critique of the
Theory
Too deterministic
Examination of Critiques and
Alternative Perspectives
It views history as predetermined by the
actions of few individuals, neglecting the
role of social, economic and cultural forces
Alternative Approach: Structural Theory
This theory put into focus the influence of
social structures such as economic systems,
political institutions and cultural norms to
individual opportunities, limitations, and
decision-making

9. 02
Critique of the
Theory
It is oversimplified
Examination of Critiques and
Alternative Perspectives
The Great Man Theory posits that leaders
should have intrinsic leadership traits
such as intelligence, confidence,
socialibility, and charisma, leaving behind
other important characteristics
Alternative Approach: Contingency Theory
This theory emphasizes the argument that
there is no single best leadership style for
the most effective one depends on a
specific context and situation

10. 03
Critique of the
Theory
Too much focus on natural attributes
Examination of Critiques and
Alternative Perspectives
One main argument of the theory is that
effective leaders are born, not made. Skills
acquired through training, observation, and
experience are left out
Alternative Approach: Behavioral Leadership Theory
This theory emphasizes the idea that skills
can be learned and developed over time. It
focuses on how leaders behave and that
traits can be copied - applied to a specific
circumstance

11. 01
Limitations of the
Theory
Lacks clear definition
02 Ignores collective action and social movements
03 Difficulty in applying to non-western contexts
04 Gender Bias

12. Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso
Modern Applications
Great Man theory is mostly subjective as to how
people would perceive leaders as born to be leaders,
modern examples may vary from person to person.

13. Conclusion

14. Thank you!