Leadership Theories Essay

Essay about Leadership Theories
Provide at least two examples of leadership theories and how to implement them in order to
improve the relationship between management and floor workers. "Transformational Theory states
that leadership is the process by which a person engages with others and is able to create a
connection that results in increased motivation and morality in both followers and leaders"
(Wolinski, 2010, p. 2). This theory suggest that a leader must first become aware of his or her own
thoughts, feelings and motivation before they can encourage others to do the same. Once the leader
becomes aware, their perception increases and the leader is better able to choose actions that are
compatible with the needs of the persons they supervise. The...show more content...
They should learn to control their personal feelings about each other and the way they express those
feelings at the workplace. "The key to transformational leadership is for the leader to be attentive to
the needs and motives of followers in an attempt to help them reach their maximum potential"
(Wolinski, 2010, p.2). Leaders who practice transformational leadership are successful in initiating,
developing, and implementing important changes in an organization.
Differences between leadership and management "According to the current wisdom, managers are
principally administrators; they write business plans, set budgets and monitor progress. Leaders
on the other hand, get organizations and people to change. Management is a function that must
be exercised in any business; leadership is a relationship between leader and employees that can
energize an organization" (Maccoby, 2000, p. 1). While leaders set the vision for employees,
mangers direct the vision; sometimes there is an overlap of roles. Employees follow leaders
either because the leader is successfully and productive or out of fear. The leaders at Woody's are
dangerous to the employees and the organization, they evoke unprofessional and unsafe behavior
such as grinding up good veneer by the floor workers. A change in leadership style could improve
the behavior and networking with the floor workers. The leaders at Woody's can design new
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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

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 main
leadership 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,

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

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

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

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

Leadership Theories Essay

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