Leadership theories and styles

What is Leadership?

Leadership has been described as the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task

Qualities of a Leader

 HELP YOUR PEOPLE TO REALISE THAT WORK CAN BE SATISFYING PROVIDE CLEAR TARGETS ASSESS PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVELY GIVE PRAISE / RECOGNITION - where appropriate KEEP PEOPLE CONSTANTLY INFORMED RESPECT YOUR PEOPLE, THEIR FEELINGS BE WATCHFUL OF WORKING CONDITIONS INVITE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TRAIN FOR SKILLS IMPROVEMENTS DEAL WITH GRIEVANCES PROMPTLY

Are managers and leaders different?

YES

manager administer ask how and when He focus on systems Manager do things right Manager have short-term perspective Managers have an eye on the bottom line Managers emulate the classic good soldier

leader innovate ask what and why. he focus on people leaders do the right things leaders have long-term perspective leaders have an eye on the horizon. leaders are their own person.

Types of Leadership Style

Dictator or Autocratic Democratic Laissez-Faire (free rein) Paternalistic

Dictator

A leader who uses fear and threats to get the jobs done. Do not entertain any suggestions or initiative from subordinates. Do not trust anybody.

Democratic

Encourages decision making from different perspectives. Consultative. Persuasive.

Laissez-Faire

Let it be the leadership responsibilities are shared by all. Can be very useful in businesses where creative ideas are important. Relies on good team work. Relies on good interpersonal relations.

Paternalistic

Leader acts as a father figure. Paternalistic leader makes decision but may consult. Believes in the need to support staff.

Change Leadership

The most challenging aspect of business is leading and managing change. The business environment is subject to fast-paced economic and social change. Modern business must adapt and be flexible to survive. Problems in leading change stem mainly from human resource management. Leaders need to be aware of how change impacts on workers.

Theories of Leadership

Trait theory Behavioural theory Contingency theory Functional theory Transformational theory Transactional Theory

Trait theory

Trait theory tries to describe:-

Personality Dominance and personal presence Charisma Self confidence Achievement Ability to formulate a clear vision

Behavioural theory

Imply that leaders can be trained focus on the way of doing things

Structure based behavioural theories focus on the leader instituting structures task orientated Relationship based behavioural theories focus on the development and maintenance of relationships process orientated

Contingency theory

Leadership as being more flexible different leadership styles used at different times depending on the circumstance.

May depend on:

Type of staff History of the business Culture of the business Quality of the relationships Nature of the changes needed Accepted norms within the organisation

Functional theory

Functional leadership theory is a particularly useful theory for addressing specific leader behaviors expected to contribute to organizational or unit effectiveness.

leaders main job is to see that whatever is necessary to group needs is taken care of functional leadership theory has most often been applied to team leadership Leader need to perform certain functions which help to promote organizational effectiveness such as environmental monitoring, teaching and coaching subordinates, motivating others.

Transformational theory

In transformational theory Widespread changes to a business or organisation

Requires:

Long term strategic planning Clear objectives Clear vision Leading by example walk the walk Efficiency of systems and processes

Transactional Theory

Focus on the management of the organisation Focus on procedures and efficiency Focus on working to rules and contracts Managing current issues and problems

Factors Affecting Style

Leadership style may be dependent on various factors:

Risk Type of business How important change is Organisational culture Nature of the task