A presentation on the Lion King which discusses the motivations of each major character and also highlights leadership theories which pertain to them.

1. LEADING TEAMS PRESENTATION OF THE
LION KING

2. LION KING SYNOPSIS
• The Lion king film is about Mufasa
who is King /Leader of the Pride
lands in Africa, He rules over all the
animals fairly and justly.
Simba, Mufasa’s son is born and is
seen as the new heir and future of
the pride lands. All the animals
rejoice on the news about the new
baby cub Simba. Which is seen as a
sign of hope and further prosperity
for the pride lands.
Mufasa, Younger Brother of Scar on
the other hand is bitter after his
nephew Simba is next in line to the
throne. Vengeance and jealously
are on Scar’s Mind (IMDB 2013).

3. MUFASA
•
Mufasa, the King of Pride Rock is a wise, strongminded, truthful and influential leader. Mufasa
exhibit’s good knowledge and understands the
significance of his obligation and responsibilities
as King. Possessing great authority over his
territory. Mufasa has the self-belief and intellect
to coach and lead his son Simba, making him an
exemplary “good leader”. Mufasa acts with
honesty, he is a devoted leader of his family,
friends and pride lands. He respects the circle of
life and in turn the animals of Pride Rock respect
him.
•
According to Northouse (2001) Transformational
leaders hold particular qualities: high values,
empowerment, integrity, inspiration, cooperation
and contribution to begin change. It is clear that
Mufasa demonstrates a true likeness of
transformational leadership qualities. It becomes
obvious that Mufasa, has dedicated time to
Simba in order to teach and empower him to
take his role as King.

4. SIMBA
• Simba is heir to the throne
and is one of the main
characters in the the lion
king. Simba is mislead into
thinking he killed his
father, full of guilt he flees
into exile and forgets about
his identity and the
imminent prospect of
becoming king. Thus
forgetting what his father
mufasa taught him, about
the circle of life and the
responsibilities of being
next in line to lead the
pridelands.

5. SCAR
• Scar is Simba’s uncle and is third
in line to the throne to be king
after his brother Mufasa and
Simba. Scar is manipulative and
corrupt, he is envious of his
brother’s rule and the fact that
Simba will one day become king
and have power over him and the
Pride Lands. Scar yearns for
power at any cost which leads
him to murder Mufasa and make
a defenceless Simba think that he
is to blame and compels him to
runaway, allowing Scar to
deceitfully assume his seat as
head of the pridelands.

6. THEORIES ON LEADERSHIP
•
•
Mind tools (2014) notes that Trait theories
maintains that effective leader’s share some
common personality characteristics, or
"traits.“
Trait theories connects that traits and
qualities (for
example, honesty, compassion, assertiveness
, good decision-making skills, and likability)
that are useful when leading others.
Nevertheless, none of these traits, can assure
a successful leader. Cherry (2014) talks about
Lewin’s three leadership styles authoritarian
leadership (autocratic) which is seen to
reflect Scars attitude towards leaderships as
authoritarian which makes decisions
independently without the groups input and
follows more of a dictatorship. However
Mufasa takes more of a Participative
leadership (democratic) which involves
everyone in the decision making process and
is fair and just which is Mufasa’s Mantra to
ensure and uphold the “Circle Of Life” and
protect the animal kingdom.

7. MUFASA

8. ABOUT MUFASA
• Mufasa is the king of the pride lands, father of Simba and also the brother
of his rival scar. Mufasa is an ideal leader within the film, he is well built
and portrayed as a strong and dominant character. Being a powerful
leader he is as well kind hearted, honest and very wise. He is a calm and
true leader who makes decisions on behalf of all of pride land. His temper
was rarely shown unless he was provoked to anger.
• Mufasa is thoughtful and considerate to everyone in the pride lands and
did not make selfish decisions. Kadushin and Kadushin (1997) offer a
further definition of communication as ‘ the sharing of thoughts, feelings
attitudes and ideas through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal
symbols. We share our private thoughts and feelings with others through
communication’. (Barnard. A, 2011. Key Themes In Health and Social Care,
Page 19).
• Another quality is that Mufasa always overlooks his brothers flaws and
turns a blind eye upon the jealousy and rivalry within his brother scar.

9. HOW IS HE SHOWN TO BE A LEADER?
• At the beginning of the movie Mufasa is shown to be leader, being
the male dominant figure he is shown to be standing at the top of
the kingdom on pride rock with his family. So from the very start it
is evident he will have a lot of importance throughout the movie.
Egan (1998) applies SOLER to define nonverbal communication, a
technique which enhances active listening (Counselling
Central, 2012). This is portrayed in Mufasa’s posture and body
language which is firm and his authority is respected to ensure that
pride land residents identify him as a leader.

10. HOW IS HE SHOWN TO BE A LEADER?
• Mufasa holds great responsibility over pride land he ensures that
everyone is safe away from any danger. His decisions benefit
all, however when danger arises Mufasa is the first to react upon it
in order to save his kingdom. Moss (2008) states that active
listening is important to any relationships development and is a
route for people to fully obtain and understand what another has
said (Barnard. A, 2011. Key Themes In Health and Social Care, Page
22). As the leader he resolves disputes and quarrels which other
animals may have and comes to an accurate decision by thoroughly
listening to them. Also he ensures crime such as killing other
animals for fun doesn’t occur and that all animals are treated
equally. An example would be when his brother scar has Zazu in his
mouth and Mufasa makes scar set the bird free.

11. WHAT LEADERSHIP MODEL SUITS MUFASA?
•
Mufasa has a great strength of mind to portray
excellent will power, as a king he guides Simba
from a young age to become a strong and
intelligent lion. He wants him to be mature and
wise in order for Simba to take care of pride land
after himself. The Trait theory focuses upon
personal characteristics of leaders, looking
closely at leadership solely from the perspective
of a leader. Focussing on whether leaders are
born with the characteristics to be a ruler or
whether they are made and trained to be one.
(Management study guide.com. 2013). We could
link this theory to the relationship between
Mufasa and Simba as Mufasa is a born leader and
Simba was taught to be a leader by his father.
According to this approach, intelligence,
determination, honesty, integrity and drive are
common traits which effective leaders’ possess
(Levi, 2001). It is evident that Mufasa
undoubtedly establishes the qualities of a real
leader.

12. MOTIVATION MODEL
• Mufasa is at the top rank of the
hierarchy within this movie. He is
the most powerful and everyone
else is below him. The motivation
model of Maslow's (1943)
hierarchy of needs states how
people are driven to accomplish
their requirements. This links to
Mufasa within the esteem needs
stage as he has a status and a
reputation to hold so he has the
responsibility of taking care of
everyone within pride land.
Mufasa possesses the majority of
the quality's discussed within
Maslow's hierarchy's of needs as
he is a great leader.

13. SIMBA

14. •
ABOUT THE
CHARACTER…
Simba means Lion in Swahili.
•
Simba was the son of Mufasa.
•
Through out the film “lion king” we see Simba
as a new born Cub, a curious young lion and
also as he grows up a proud king.
•
When Simba was born he was presented to be
the future king of the Pride Lands.
•
Simba was always playful, lively and ready for
an adventure.
•
As an adult Simba’s body grew up to be thick
and rich red, which almost looks identical to
his dad Mufasa.
•
Simba had a loving relationship with Mufasa
and looked up to him.
•
His happy days turn into tragedy when his evil
uncle Scar kills Simba’s father Mufasa which
leads to Simba running away from the
kingdom.

15. SIMBA’S MOTIVATIONS
• Maslow (1943) states how people are motivated to achieve certain needs.
The fourth stage of the model which is esteem needs demonstrates how
status, responsibility and respect are all factors needed to become a
leader. Simba was motivated into the role of becoming king
• As it gave him independence and also meant that he was given respect by
the followers of the land.
• Overall Simba developed on all of these attributes.

16. SIMBA AN ASSIGNED LEADER
• Simba is represented as an assigned leader as from
birth he was given the role of becoming king of the
pride lands after his father Mufasa. This meant that
from a very young age Simba would have been taught
the skills and traits needed to become a successful
leader from his father. As a youngster, Simba was
therefore not aware of the skills and qualities needed
to help with his role in the future. This can show how
certain skills and qualities can be learnt over time for
example from a young age, Mufasa taught Simba
qualities such as confidence and courage that would
help Simba become an effective leader in the future.
• Sudweeks, F Simoff, S.J (2005) p1

17. SIMBA’S GROWTH FROM CUB TO KING
• Self confidence is also another skill which is needed in order to be a
successful leader. After the death of his father, Simba decides to run
away from the situation and not dealing with the problem as a
future leader would have. Whilst Simba was away from the pride
lands, Simba begins to enjoy a problem free life. How ever when
Simba’s friends Timon and Pumba arrive they help Simba to deal
with his situation in order to build up his confidence. Confidence is
also another quality which is needed for a successful leader.

18. SIMBA’S GROWTH FROM CUB TO KING
• Towards the end of the
film, Simba sees a
vision, where Mufasa is
telling him to realise what
was expected from him and
this then leads to
Simba, accepting his
responsibility as a king and
returning to the pride land
and gaining the title of a
king.

19. SCAR

20. DESCRIPTION OF SCAR’S CHARACTER
•
•
Scar is Mufasa’s younger brother and Simba’s
uncle. Scar becomes jealous of Simba, because
he is the next heir to the throne. Scar is a very
intelligent individual and his deceiving ways are
rewarded by gaining loyalty from Zira and her
pride of lionesses. Scar is only concerned with
achieving the highest amount of power and
would not hesitate in killing anyone who comes
in his way, or who he sees as competition.
Although he may seem strong and aggressive, he
is also cowardly. Rather than face violence, he is
more likely to run away. Scar plots the murder of
his own brother and nephew, without any
emotion of sadness or guilt.
It has been said that Scar is mainly based on the
villain from Hamlet, King Claudius, and also
Adolf Hitler. When singing the song “Be
Prepared” in The Lion King, Scar sings to the
Hyenas telling how he will Musfasa and then
Scar sits on a high rock watching the Hyenas
march along. This similar to a video of Hitler, in
which he was watching the Nazis march along.

21. MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIOUR THEORIES
• Northouse (2010) argues that people are leaders because of their upper
and more formal role in society or an organisation and others can be a
leader due to how society responds to them. An assigned leadership is an
individual who is assigned to a position of leadership, this would be Simba
as when his dad Mufasa died he was assigned leadership by the tribe and
community to replace Scar as he was wrongly assigned the leader of the
tribe. An emergent leader is an individual who is not assigned to a
leadership position and has the same status as any other individual but
their actions morals and involvement within the community encourage
others to make he/she the leader. In the lion king this would therefore be
Mufasa as he cared and helped the community to be peaceful and
harmonious. However Scar would be neither a assigned leader or an
emergent leader as he cheated his way to becoming a leader therefore
would gain enough respect to become an emergent leader as he was seen
as a dangerous and selfish character.

22. MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIOUR THEORIES
•
•
Behavioural theories are based on the idea
that leaders are made not born. Skinner
(1948) used his experiment the ‘skinner box’
to gather the ideas of positive reinforcement
and negative reinforcement. Positive
reinforcement strengthens behaviour and
makes a person more likely to do something if
they have been praised or gained a reward
from something. Negative reinforcement
makes a person less likely to do something as
it has no effect or no reward.
This is the idea that individuals learn to
become leaders through watching others
achieve success, this behaviour would be
reinforced as it is positive and punished if
negative. Scar has clearly watched and learn
how Mufasa behaves in order to win people
over and rein acts they way he behaves to fool
and misguide others to thinking that he is
similar to Mufasa.

23. MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIOUR THEORIES
•
Trait theory has the preconception that an
individual is born or inherited traits and they have
born characteristics that make them a good
leader. Trait theory often explains that individuals
often share personality types or behavioural
characteristics, which make them a leader. Trait
leaders know what they want and they know how
to get what they want, they also know how to
communicate with others to get what they
want, Bennis, W. (1998). This may be the case of
Scar as he is determined to be a leader and he
faces many struggles to become a leader even if
that means betraying his family to get where he
wants to be. Scar has many traits of a leader such
as, self – confidence and courage. This is
portrayed in his character as he has no fear of
killing his own brother Mufasa and neither does
he care that he has died, as in his eyes it is just
another step closer to becoming the leader of the
tribe.

24. MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIOUR THEORIES
• Stogdill and Mann found that although some traits can be similar
many studies prove that even though a person who is a leader in
one situation may not always be a leader in any other situation.
This may be the case of Scar as he is the leader to the hienars and
tells them how to kill Mufasa but when he becomes the leader of
the whole tribe he is a terrible leader and does not motivate and
encourage the tribe to be successful. Similarly according to Myers
Briggs personality types Scar would be viewed as an ‘introvert’ as
he would prefer to be alone and not in a group of people, however
Scar does poses qualities of an ‘extrovert’ because he is a go getter
and does not settle until he reaches the goal he set out to achieve.
Peter Wright (1996) suggests that those who show strong
characteristics of leaders were often not meant to be or aren’t
leaders at all, Scar shows a mix of characteristics of a leader which
could suggest that he is not meant to be a leader at all which is why
when becoming a leader he ultimately fails.

25. TRANFORMATIONAL OR TRANSACTIONAL?
• According to Bass (1999) this
theory is based on personal and
societal goals, which can benefit
both the leader and the follower.
Scars leadership style is
transactional as he was selfish and
always had a motive to achieve
something and to prove people
wrong. His actions were
unreasonable and extremely selfcentred as he only thought about
himself. He had a desire to be at
the top and his competitiveness
over ruled him and thus led him to
deceive his family. Scar was very
devious as he used the hyeners to
help him work his way up and they
would do whatever he said because
they were frightened of Scar as he
was powerful enough to kill.

26. TRANFORMATIONAL OR TRANSACTIONAL?
•
The full range leadership theory is an
extension from transformational theory This
theory has several components, the first being
Idealized influence thus meaning that the
followers of the leader have an emotional
engagement with the leader this can either be
positive or negative emotions. The second
component is Idealized influence and this
looks at the leaders influence on society and
how they treat and manage society. The last
component would be Laissez faire, this is the
idea that the leader does nothing whilst the
followers do all the work (Antonakis and
House 2006). According to these three
components Scars leadership style shows clear
traits of a laissez faire style as when he
becomes the leader of the tribe he simple
relies on the rest of the tribe to do everything
including bringing him his food. Eventually the
island becomes grey and dull because of the
lack of spirit and motivation from the leader.

27. THE FRIENDS WHO HELP SIMBA

28. PUMBA, TIMON, ZAZU AND THE LIONESSES
•
•
•
•
•
Within the story of the lion king, Simba the
central character and reluctant hero of the story
is aided by his friends. After Simba’s Uncle Scar
deceives him and Murders his father he is forced
into exile. While alone in the wild and vulnerable
he is befriended by a Warthog named Pumba
and a Meer cat called Timon.
Through their tutorship and initial protection
Simba grows quickly both in body and spirit.
This is a very important stage for Simba’s
character as he learns to trust again in other
animals.
While together Simba , Pumba and Timon feel
safe as there is safety in numbers and as Simba
grows he becomes their protector as well as
friend.
As the story of the Lion King moves on, we see
Simba as an adult lion which shows us that
considerable time has elapsed since he went into
exile. He saves Pumba from a hungry lioness who
turns out to be his childhood friend Nala.

29. PUMBA, TIMON, ZAZU AND THE LIONESSES
• Nala the lioness and childhood friend of Simba, tells Simba that his Uncle
Scar , is now pride leader and is an evil influence over the pride and all the
once green and plentiful lands that made up Mufasa’s kingdom, are now a
wasteland devoid of life.
• Nala the lioness encourages Simba to return to the pride and challenge
Scar for supremacy of the pride.

30. PUMBA, TIMON, ZAZU AND THE LIONESSES
• Simba with the support of his friends Pumba, Timon, Zazu and the
Lionesses and the rest of the animals who wish to follow a true and just
king, is empowered to return from exile and throw down Scar and his
hyenas and reclaim his fathers crown.
• Each of his friends helps within the ensuing battle to retake the pride
lands and reintroduce his fathers ideology of a ‘circle of life’.
• This joint effort culminated in Simba fighting Scar.

31. PUMBA, TIMON, ZAZU AND THE LIONESSES
• Simba, with the help of his friends takes back the pride lands and is
crowned king in a ceremony which all of his friends attend, alongside
many of the animals who supported his father Mufasa.

32. WHY FOLLOW SIMBA AND MUFASA?
•
Why help Simba in the first place? What advantages are there in having Simba
as the leader of the pride lands?
•
Daft (2008) describes David McCllend’s acquired needs theory which sheds
light on why after enduring ‘Scar’s’ rule many of the animals would be
encouraged to help Simba become king. The acquired needs theory suggests
that over time people change in terms of their wants and needs. The needs
and wants we have are in a state of flux and are determined by a number of
factors one of those factors being the current environment. Within the story of
the Lion King we see how under the rule of Scar the environment is changed
from a lush oasis to a barren desolate wasteland where the rule of order has
gone and an evil dictatorship threatens all animals who are not either hyena
or Scar. This being the case we can see how the animals who help Simba have
a vested interest in seeing him become king. Under Simbas rule like his fathers
there is order and all animals have a stake in the ideology of a circle of life.
Protection from bad elements in society, a green and bountiful land which
offers food and shelter. The needs of the animals changed while under Scar’s
dictatorship, they recognised the need to reintroduce law and a just king who
would offer them protection.

33. WHY FOLLOW SIMBA AND MUFASA?
• Riggio, Chaleff and Lipman-Blue (2008) describe how great leaders are
often moulded by their followers. The followers needs and wants are
understood by those that lead them. The follower is reliant upon the
leader to set a course of action and teach them what is required of them
in order for the joint venture to be successful. The relationship is
dependent upon a trust that the aims and needs of the follower will be
provided by the leader. This requires the leader to understand their
followers in order to provide them with the right course of action which
will bring about the right results for all both leader and followers. There is
no ego involved in a following relationship on the contrary both leader and
follower are involved in the shared goal. The leader must be able to
communicate the action in clear terms and be responsible in the decisions
they make.
• Within the Lion King Simba provides a leader who is clear in his target of
ousting Scar and bringing about peace and restoring law to the land.
Pumba, Timon, Zazu and the lioness follow Simba with this expectation
and the nature of Simba’s leadership is reciprocal, help him over throw
Scar and you all will share in the rewards.

34. WHY FOLLOW SIMBA AND MUFASA?
• Gable (1970) discusses Abraham Maslow’s theories and points out that at
a basic need level physiological needs are a driving force behind
behaviour. The most basic of these is physical survival and within the Lion
King this is a central theme. With Scar in charge we see a once green land
decimated and lawless. The animal,s who follow Simba are choosing to
follow him because under his rule their chances of physical survival are
greatly enhanced.
• Gable (1970) also highlight’s Abraham Maslows environmental or social
conditions as central to satisfying basic needs within people. If the society
does not allow for freedom of speech, freedom of action (as long as no
physical harm to another),freedom of inquiry, justice, honesty and fairness
and order, then this threatens the basic needs of all in such conditions.
This type of environmental deprivation will drive behaviour to reclaim
these basic freedoms in order to sate needs. This principal is also very
evident within the Lion king and can explain why the animals follow Simba
and wish to over throw Scar’s regime which suffocates their basic needs
through a harsh environment.

35. WHY FOLLOW SIMBA AND MUFASA?
• Montana ,Bruce and Charnov (2008) discuss a range of theories credited
with motivating human behaviour. One of the theories looked at was
reinforcement theory, which was developed extensively by B.Skinner.
Skinner’s work looked at a basic principle. If behaviour was reinforced
positively such as giving a reward then this type of behaviour was more
likely to be repeated. Conversely if the behaviour was reinforced
negatively with punishment then the behaviour was less likely to occur.
This theory can be applied to the Lion king with Simba’s friends. The
negative experience, endured whilst being subjects under Scar’s
leadership led them all to change their behaviour and align themselves
with Simba as his leadership promised rewards such as freedom, shelter
and protection. This promise of reward motivated their behaviour and the
consequences were a committed following of Simba and with the
outcome being successful this would further reinforce their behaviour to
follow Simba’s leadership as their sacrifices were rewarded.

36. WHY FOLLOW SIMBA AND MUFASA?
• Montana ,Bruce and Charnov (2008), also describe equity theory. This
theory can also be useful in understanding the motivational forces
involved in understanding Pumba, Timon, Zazu and the lionesses
behaviour. Equity theory explains people strive for equity, especially when
a period of inequality has existed or unfairness. Within the Lion king we
can see that whilst Scar was in charge through his brutal dictatorship the
only ones who profited under his tyranny were himself and the hyenas.
• The rest of the animals were treated unfairly and brutalised under
Scar, this inequality would have resulted in a burning desire for equality
from all the animals not least Simba and his friends. This desire for equity
can explain their fight against Scar and the Hyenas.

37. THIS PRESENTATION WAS PROVIDED BY..
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MARYA MAHMOOD N0385517
AROOJ HUSSAIN N0374680
SAAD MAHMOOD N0325610
AMREEN AHMED N0334692
HARPREET KAUR N0373750
MAVISH HUSSAIN N0392964
SAMANTHA KERINS N0394252
KIEREN KNOX N0200351

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