Servant Leadership

Abstract

Servant Leadership theory was developed by Robert Greenleaf in 1970 and is being practiced in some of the organizations today as well. It can be regarded as a profound theory, which works for the well-being of different elements in the society. These elements are confined to businesses, churches, and governments (community organization). People in favor of this theory suggest that this theory can transform the current practices in the world and develop ways in which societies and communities can be up lifted. The following paper highlights on the key aspects of servant theory while highlighting the organizational adaptation of this theory. Moreover, it provides a glimpse on the type of leadership that is followed in holy institutions (churches) and in community organizations (governments).

Contents

Abstract2

Thesis Statement4

Servant Leadership4

Introduction4

Discussion5

Servant Leadership in Organizations5

Limitations of Servant Leadership6

Servant Leadership and Church9

Basic Concepts about Leadership10

Servant Leadership in Governments10

Servant Leadership In Comparison To Existing Leadership Theories11

Conclusion11

References13

Appendix14

Summary14

Thesis Statement

Servant Leadership can change the dimensions of the organizations, churches, and governments

Servant Leadership

Introduction

Standard definitions of leadership have focused on the influence processes leaders. Servant leadership, as its name indicates, is an approach that encourages a person vested with the authority to approach a task with a desire to serve his followers, as his first concern. This means that leaders learn about the needs of their followers are ready to meet, to feed, defend, and empower them to become leaders themselves servants. Robert Greenleaf, the originator of servant leadership, recommends the adoption of the categorical imperative Kant, which states that a leader must do what is right, no matter the cost. For example, even when it is not in the financial interests of the organization, leaders must consider social responsibility as one of their major objectives. Servant leadership follows a trend, because of a leader inspires followers as much as themselves, implying that the followers are becoming servant leaders, bringing a greater number of moral agents in society(Greenleaf et.al, 2002, pp. 47-61).

Leader follower leaves aside the misuse of power and strictly hierarchical relationships while focusing on achieving profitable objectives for the organization. The leader is a steward resource of the organization and its role is to develop these resources. Robert Greenleaf, in his essay of 1970, "The Servant as Leader", describes the servant leaders as individuals with a natural propensity to serve. These people make a conscious choice to serve rather than seek an increase in power or to acquire material goods (Sipe & Frick, 2009, pp. 11-39). The basic principle of servant leadership is to give priority to the interests of others. In this way, the importance of a leader is not measured according to the individuals who follow him, either quantitative or index or in terms of efficiency but rather in relation to the people he serves and whose impact of life. Robert Greenleaf, great leaders are primarily motivated to help and serve others so.

Leaders promoting servant leadership style recognize and acknowledge that the strength of an organization depends on its members, and they will devote themselves to the satisfaction of ...