Theories of leadership

Question 1

Great man theories

Answer 1

Leadership theories developed in beginning years where historians looked at respected leaders to find clues leading to their greatness. Mostly focussed on traits like persistence, intelligence, that a that leader possesses ( or galvanizing experience like overcoming fatal illness)

Question 2

Trait approach

Answer 2

Attempted to show that leaders possess certain traits that non-leaders don’t

• eventually no consistent relationships were found, also highly dependent on what is meant with a trait
• Highly focussed on productivity, taking little other factors into account (eg commitment, motivation etc.)

Question 3

The power approach

Answer 3

Examines types of power wielded by leaders:

1. Reward power; Potential to give rewards
2. Coercive power; potential to punish
3. Legitimate power: The right to influence and obligation for the influenced to accept it
4. Referent power; the desire of others to act like the supervisor. Setting example
5. Expert power: Knowledge/expertise leader has.

Question 4

The behavioural approach

Answer 4

Ohio study. looked at kinds of behaviour engaged in by leaders. Two dimensions;

1. Consideration (relationship-orientation) :
   Warmth, trust and empathy. Emphasising concern for group members
2. Initiating structure (task-orientation)
   Supervising and organizing group activities. Overt attempt to reach team goals

Michigan studies added participative behaviour, allowing for more input and two-way communication

Question 5

The contingency approach

Answer 5

Take the the role of the situation into account. Whether more structure/consideration would work best dependent on subordinates. Not a lot of support but it does emphasise it’s not a one-fits-all process which is still seen today.

Question 5

Leader-member exchange (LMX)

Answer 5

In-group and out-group members (in-group have good relationship w the leader) the leader adopts different behaviour dependent on the subordinate. It sees leadership as a dynamic process w a life-cycle. Those who grow become in-group, those stuck in low levels out-group

Question 6

Full range of leadership model

Answer 6

Behavioural approach led to this model which is now most used.
From active-effective to passive-ineffective ;
- Transformational
- Transactional
- LF