Leadership is so vast a concept that every person who has studied it has produced a definition of their own. It can, however generally be described as a guiding process which facilitates goal achievement (Stogdill, 1950 cited from Huczynski and Buchanan, 2013). There are numerous theories and ideas that attempt to decipher leadership and its effect in organizations. This essay examines some of these theories, while also pondering upon its dependence on culture, and the belief that it is an exclusive function.
A large number of divergent leadership theories and practices can be classified as ‘mainstream’, which pivot around finding what qualities, behaviors and skills make leaders effective (Collinson, 2011). Though many such characteristics …show more content…
The contingency theories propose that effective leadership is dependent on the compatibility between the style adopted and the leader’s attributes with that of the particular demands of the situation (Lamb, 2013 cited in Amanchukwu et al.,2015). Another approach that highlighted circumstantial variables was Situational Leadership (Amanchukwu et al., 2015). This focused on four key leadership styles which can be applied selectively (directing, coaching, supporting and delegating), dependent on four types of follower readiness. However, these situational distinctions have insufficient research bases, therefore making it unreliable in many scenarios (Avery and Ryan, …show more content…
This involves fostering inclusivity and diversity within a group and empowering everyone to achieve results related to a meaningful purpose (Komives et al.,1998). This allows the understanding of leadership as a non-hierarchical process that could influence the social dynamics in the organization (Uhl-Bien, 2006) for the common good. Meanwhile, Collinson (2011) extensively discusses Critical Leadership, concluding that there is a strong relationship between leadership and power, and stating the possibility for leader-follower conflict since loyalty cannot always be presumed. It re-examines leader-follower identities, and reaffirms the role of culture, gender and class in leadership, thereby opening up a less trodden path for future leadership examinations and
A large number of divergent leadership theories and practices can be classified as ‘mainstream’, which pivot around finding what qualities, behaviors and skills make leaders effective (Collinson, 2011). Though many such characteristics …show more content…
The contingency theories propose that effective leadership is dependent on the compatibility between the style adopted and the leader’s attributes with that of the particular demands of the situation (Lamb, 2013 cited in Amanchukwu et al.,2015). Another approach that highlighted circumstantial variables was Situational Leadership (Amanchukwu et al., 2015). This focused on four key leadership styles which can be applied selectively (directing, coaching, supporting and delegating), dependent on four types of follower readiness. However, these situational distinctions have insufficient research bases, therefore making it unreliable in many scenarios (Avery and Ryan, …show more content…
This involves fostering inclusivity and diversity within a group and empowering everyone to achieve results related to a meaningful purpose (Komives et al.,1998). This allows the understanding of leadership as a non-hierarchical process that could influence the social dynamics in the organization (Uhl-Bien, 2006) for the common good. Meanwhile, Collinson (2011) extensively discusses Critical Leadership, concluding that there is a strong relationship between leadership and power, and stating the possibility for leader-follower conflict since loyalty cannot always be presumed. It re-examines leader-follower identities, and reaffirms the role of culture, gender and class in leadership, thereby opening up a less trodden path for future leadership examinations and