LEADERSHIP THEORIES

Definition:

• Leadership is defined as the ability to influence

a group toward the achievement of a vision or

set of goals.

• Good leadership is necessary for organization’s

survival.

Studying Leadership

• Trait approaches. (1930s)

• Behavioral approaches. (1940s & 1950s)

• Contingency approaches. (1960s & 1970s).

Trait Theories of Leadership

• Theory that consider personal qualities and

characteristics that differentiate leaders from non

leaders.

• Trait theory of leadership sought personality, social,

physical and intellectual traits.

• Trait theory assumes that leaders are born.

Behavioral Theories

Behavior of effective leaders are different from

the behavior of ineffective leaders. It is more

important than the physical, mental and social

traits.

• Ohio state university :

Task oriented (planning, organizing, coordinating

the work of subordinates).

• University of Michigan:

Employee oriented (focus on interpersonal

relationship)

Production oriented (focus on task and technical

aspects of the job)

Contingency theory

This theory was introduce in 1960s and 1970s. 1.fiedler’s contingency theory. 2.path goal theory. 3.vroom-yetton-jago decision making theory. 4.situational leadership theory.

Fiddlers Contingency Theory• Fiedler explore the idea that there was not just one

ultimate style of leadership for a given situation but

leader can vary their leadership style depend on the

situation that face them.

• Fiedler research shows that task oriented leader were

more effective in highly favorable situation and person

oriented leader are more effective in moderately

situation.

Path Goal Theory• Employee characteristics: These include factors such

as employees’ needs, locus of control, experience,

perceived ability, satisfaction, willingness to leave

the organization, and anxiety.

• Characteristics of work environment: These include

factors such as task structure and team dynamics

that are outside the control of the employee

Vroom-Yetton-Jago Theory

• Primarily focus on degree of subordinate

participation in different situation.

• Five type of decision making such as A1(strongly

autocratic) ,A11,C1,C11 and G(strongly

democratic).

Recent Development Theories

1.Leader member exchange theory.

2.transformational theories.

3.substitutes for leadership.

Leader Member Exchange Theory

• Theories emphasize the dyadic(one-on-one)

relationship between leader and subordinates

instead of traits and behavior or situational

characteristics.

Managers establish the

• N-group(close relation with some)

• OUT- group(remaining aloof from others).

Transformational Leadership Theories

They focus to explain how leader can accomplish

extraordinary things against the odds, such as

turning around a failing company, founding a

successful company, developing mutual trust ,

setting goal.

Substitutes for Leadership Theory• Characteristics of the task, subordinates, or the

organization that replace the need for a leader.• Subordinates Ability, job related knowledge, experience, training,

independence, professional orientation.• Task Clarity and routine, repetitive tasks , feedback, intrinsic

satisfaction.• Organization Formalization, flexibility, support, cohesiveness, rewards