U2 Theories of Leadership

Question 1

The Great Man Theory

Answer 1

• Assumes that leaders are born, not made
• Assumes that leadership is primarily a male set of characteristics

Question 2

Trait Theory of Leadership

Answer 2

• A somewhat updated ‘great man’ theory
• Assumes that there is a set of characteristics that determine a good leader
• These characteristics are inherited
• Characteristics include dominant personality, charisma, strategic vision, persuasiveness, mental strength…
• Doesn’t explain why some people have these characteristics, but aren’t leaders

Question 3

Behavioural Theory of Leadership

Answer 3

• Leaders are made, not born
• Imply that leaders can be trained – focus on the way of doing things (like a formula for leadership)
• Structure based behavioural theories – focus on the leader instituting structures – task orientated
• Relationship based behavioural theories – focus on the development and maintenance of relationships – process orientated

Question 4

Contingency Theory of Leadership

Answer 4

• Leadership as being more flexible – different leadership styles used at different times depending on the circumstance.
• Suggests leadership is not a fixed series of characteristics that can be transposed into different contexts
• Leaders are educated, flexible and able to adapt to different situations
• AKA Situational Leadership

Question 5

Contingency Theory: Leadership may depend on…

Answer 5

• Type of staff
• History of the business
• Culture of the business
• Quality of the relationships
• Nature of the changes needed
• Accepted norms within the institution

Question 6

Transformational Theory of Leadership

Answer 6

• Focus is on the relationship between leaders and followers
• Leaders role is to motivate and inspire others to see the importance of the task
• Assume that leaders have high moral and ethical standards and want their followers to fulfil their potential
• Applied to work: Leaders transform the bond between leader/worker for the betterment of the organization and the worker

Question 7

TransactionalTheory of Leadership

Answer 7

• Leaders focus on the management of the organization (not the people)
• Emphasis is on rules, regulations and supervision
• When followers (workers) are successful, they are rewarded; when they are unsuccessful, they are punished