LEADERSHIP

DEFINITION The ability to influence individuals /

groups toward the achievement of goals.

As a process that shapes the goals of a group or organization, motivates behavior toward the achievement of those goals, and helps define group or organizational culture.

As the process of directing & influencing the task related activities of group members.

THEORIES OF LEADERSHIP

In this section, THREE (3) main leadership theories/perspectives will be discussed. They are :

The Great Man Theory / The Trait Theory

Behavioral Theory The Contingency / Situational Theory

THE GREAT MAN THEORY

According to this theory, leaders are born in families of leaders.

This theory explains that by looking at a person, you can tell whether he/she will be a leader in future.

THE TRAIT THEORY

This approach assumed that leaders share certain inborn personality traits.

Evaluation & selection of leaders are based on their physical, mental & psychological characteristics.

BEHAVIORAL APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP

In the Ohio and Michigan States studies, two aspects of leadership behavior were looked into.

The Ohio and Michigan States Studies Leadership functions Leadership styles

LEADERSHIP FUNCTION

A leader is considered to be effective if he/she practices these functions.› Task related / problem solving function

The task related functions involve having manager/leaders giving / suggesting solutions, offering information & opinion, counseling & giving advice.

› Group maintenance / social function These are actions that may help the group

to operate smoothly. (manager who practices empathy & sensitive to his/her subordinates’ feelings)

LEADERSHIP STYLES

The leadership functions generate two different leadership styles : › Task-oriented/production centered

The primary goal is getting the job done to his/her satisfaction. E.g. : supervises employees & concerned only with getting the job done rather than the development/growth of the employees

› Employee-oriented/people-centered Managers try to motivate rather than control

the employees. E.g. : respect & sensitivity to others

MANAGERIAL GRID

CONTINGENCY APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP

The theory was conducted to identify factors that contribute to effectiveness of leadership styles in a particular situation.

Two main leadership models developed under this theory were :› The Path-goal Model› The Life-cycle Theory/Situational Model

THE PATH GOAL MODEL

LIFE-CYCLE THEORY/SITUATIONAL APPROACH

TYPES OF POWER