Leader Ship Theories

A Lecture By Allah Dad Khan

The Great Man theory evolved around the mid 19th century. Even though no one was able to identify with any scientific certainty, which human characteristic or combination of, were responsible for identifying great leaders. Everyone recognized that just as the name suggests; only a man could have the characteristic (s) of a great leader.

The Great Man theory assumes that the traits of leadership are intrinsic. That simply means that great leaders are born they are not made.

Great Man ( Gandhi, Lincoln , Napoleon)

Great Man Theory (1840)

The trait leadership theory believes that people are either born or are made with certain qualities that will make them excel in leadership roles. That is, certain qualities such as intelligence, sense of responsibility, creativity and other values puts anyone in the shoes of a good leader. The trait theory of leadership focused on analyzing mental, physical and social characteristic in order to gain more understanding of what is the characteristic or the combination of characteristics that are common among leaders.

Trait theories of leadeship sought personality , social, physical or intellectual traits that differentiate leaders from non leaders .

Trait Theory 1930-1940

1. Ambition and energy 2. The desire to lead and inner motivation.3. Honesty and integrity 4. Self confidence ,open minded and adaptability .5. Intelligence , vision and foresight 6. Job relevant knowledge and acceptance of

responsibility 7. Physical features8. Maturity 9. Fairness and objectivity 10. Human relation attitude

Leadership Traits

11. Tolerate to stress 12.Decisive 13. Cooperative14.Dependable15.Dominant 16.Energetic17.Assetive18. Ambitious19.Alert to social environment 20.Adaptable to situation.

Leadership Traits contd

21.Initiative22.Analytical ability 23,creative

Leadership Traits contd

The behavioral theories first divided leaders in two categories. Those that were concerned with the tasks and those concerned with the people. Throughout the literature these are referred to as different names, but the essence are identical.

Example ( Autocratic , democratic, and Laissez faire )

Behavioral Theories ( 1940 -1950)

The Contingency Leadership theory argues that there is no single way of leading and that every leadership style should be based on certain situations, which signifies that there are certain people who perform at the maximum level in certain places; but at minimal performance when taken out of their element

Contigencies ( Situational)Theories ( 1960’s -1970’s)

Transactional theories, also known as exchange theories of leadership, are characterized by a transaction made between the leader and the

followers. In fact, the theory values a positive and mutually beneficial relationship ExampleOpinion Leaders:  individuals with the ability to sway public opinionBureaucratic Leaders:  individuals that hold position power over their

followersParty Leaders:  hold political positions or titles in a particular countryLegislative Leaders:  political leaders that are at work behind the scenesExecutive Leaders:  often described as the president of a country, not

necessarily bound to a political party or legislators

Transactional Leadership Theories ( 1970’s)

The Transformational Leadership theory states that this process is by which a person interacts with others and is able to create a solid relationship that results in a high percentage of trust, that will later result in an increase of motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, in both leaders and followers.

Example Intellectual Leaders:  transforms society through clarity of visionReform Leaders:  changes society by addressing a single moral

issueRevolutionary Leaders:  brings about change in society through

sweeping and widespread transformationCharismatic Leaders:  uses personal charm to bring about change

Transformational Leadership Theories 1970’s-1980’s)