Leadership Development Theories

Question 1

Great Man Theories

Answer 1

propose that great leaders are born with the confidence, charisma, and intelligence to be natural-born leaders

Question 2

Trait Theories

Answer 2

some people have certain qualities that make them better leaders

Question 3

Behavioral Theories

Answer 3

focus on the actions of leaders

Question 4

Kurt Lewin (1930s) - 3 Types of Leaders (Behavioral Theory)

Answer 4

democratic leaders: allow their team to provide input before making a decision
autocratic leaders: make decisions without consulting their teams
laissez-faire leaders: allow the team to make decisions without interfering

Question 5

Contingency Theories

Answer 5

there is no one correct type of leadership and that some leaders focus on particular variables related to the environment

Question 6

Situational Theories

Answer 6

closely related to contingency theories, where leaders choose the best action based on the situation, the person, and the decision that needs to be made

Question 7

Participative Theories

Answer 7

the ideal style is one that includes other people’s input

Question 8

Management or Transactional Theories

Answer 8

focus on the role of supervision and group performance; these leadership theories are based on a system of rewards and punishments, and the leader influences others by what they offer in exchange

Question 9

Relationship or Transformational Theories

Answer 9

Focus on the connections formed between leaders and followers.
They inspire and motivate others by helping the team see the higher good of the task.
They are also focused on the task but want all team members to fulfill their potential.

Question 10

Ancona, Backman, and Isaacs (2019) (Contemporary Leadership Theory)

Answer 10

Mature companies struggle to balance need for innovation and discipline. Leadership emerges at all levels, which allows companies to continue to function efficiently and exploit new opportunities quickly.
entrepreneurial - lower level leaders
enabling leaders - mid-level leaders
architecting leaders - senior/executive leaders near the top

Question 11

Robert Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership (Contemporary Leadership Theory)

Answer 11

focuses on the development and well-being of the people
leaders share power
leaders put the needs of others ahead of the organization

Question 12

Adaptive Leadership (Contemporary Leadership Theory)

Answer 12

focuses on adjusting and thriving in changing environments—it is “purposeful evolution in real time”

Question 13

Global Leadership (Contemporary Leadership Theory)

Answer 13

emphasizes the unique requirements of an organization that is based in multiple world-wide regions. Focuses on:
- profound self-awareness
- sensitivity to cultural diversity
- professional and personal presence
- the ability to think strategically globally

Question 14

The role of a leader (Kouzes and Posner)

Answer 14

a leader must:
1. model the way
2. inspire a shared vision
3. challenge the process
4. enable others to act
5. encourage the heart