LEADERSHIP THEORIES

Leadership Theories

Leadership Theories

Application of Leadership theories:

Studies show that there is a direct effect of leadership styles on the business operations. This affect has given rise to numerous complementary theories. In order to become a successful performer, one should always take these theories and application of businesses into consideration. (Foti, Hauenstein, 2007)There are a number of theories that have come up during the previous years:

Trait Theories:

Trait Leadership Theory is possibly one of the oldest theories and is also known as Great Man theory. It suggests that a number of people have the same quality that they possess from their previous generations and behaviors that make them better fitting to leadership. Trait theories recognize the characteristics and behaviors of people across the globe. It states that leadership is an inborn quality and that leaders cannot be raised. This is a hypothetical picture of an ancient belief which explains that when a group of people were facing extreme problems, a hero appeared and led them towards success. Even in today's world, some people believe that leadership is an inborn quality. (Tagger, Hackett, 2009)

The leaders with the trait theory have characters such as: decisiveness, assertiveness, cooperative approach, ambitiousness, alertness, etc.

Application of theory:

In business, managers can use the information from the theory in order to assess their positions in the firm and to evaluate how they can strengthen their position. It helps them to have in depth knowledge about their own identity and the way they can affect others in their firm. This theory helps the manager to understand their weaknesses and strengths, thus, they come to know about how they can develop and enhance their leadership qualities.

Contingent Theories

This theory suggests that not all the leaders who are successful have same characteristics. Theory states that the success of leadership depends on the correspondence between the style of a leader and the demands of a situation. This means that the effectiveness of leadership style is a function that is used in the given situation. (Judge, 2002)According to this model, a manager must know his style of leadership, diagnose the situation and then look for the coincidence between his style and the specific situation.

Application of the theory:

In business, a manager can apply this by giving clear instruction to the team members. Unclear instructions will have vague and unclear results and the workers will eventually become demoralized. This theory helps manager in being clear with their instructions in order to get best outcomes from their team.

Situational Leadership Theory of Hersey and Blanchard:

This theory suggests that levels of directive and supportive behavior of a leader should be based on the level of staff available. Managerial behavior occurs when a leader uses one-way communication to specify the duties of his followers. The supportive behavior occurs when the leader uses bi-directional communication to listen, encourage and engage their followers in decision-making. (Arvey, McGue, 2006)The provision of a subordinate capacity to set high but achievable goals in relation to their duties, whether as a willingness to accept responsibility for ...