Theories of leadership

Question 1

Trait theory of leadership

Answer 1

Proposes that leadership qualities such as charisma are stable and enduring, innate predispositions to act in the same way in all leadership situations

Based on great man theory- only men could be successful leaders Male leaders passed down qualities to son (e.g. Alex Ferguson to Darren Ferguson)

Question 2

Challenges of Trait theory of leadership

Answer 2

This theory is unfounded- Successful female leaders (e.g. Tracey Neville England netball coach)
Doesn’t take into account learnt leadership behaviour

Question 3

Social learning theory of leadership

Answer 3

Proposes that leadership qualities such as communication are learnt as a result of the environment, imitation of significant others and social reinforcement
WATCH & COPY

Question 8

Challenges of Social learning theory of leadership

Answer 8

Doesn’t take into account those innate leadership traits
Young leaders don’t always imitate experienced leaders

Question 9

Interactionist theory of leadership

Answer 9

Proposes that leadership qualities such as flexibility are a combination of innate traits and socially learnt behaviour
Innate leadership traits are triggered by the environment

Question 10

Challenges of Interactionist theory of leadership

Answer 10

Relies on leader inheriting qualities for it to be triggered