Introduction to

Learning and
Development

Leadership theories
The literature on leadership is numerous – it dates back to Aristotle, Plato, Confucius,
Sun Tzu and Machiavelli. Among the popular theories are trait, transformational and
transactional, and distributed leadership. Other popular theories are situational
leadership, contingency theory and leader-member exchange.

THE BIG FIVE

Trait Description
Openness Being curious, original, intellectual, creative, and open to new ideas
Conscientiousness Being organised, systematic, punctual, achievement-oriented, dependable
Extraversion Being outgoing, talkative, sociable, and enjoying social situations
Agreeableness Being sociable and friendly, tolerant, sensitive, trusting, kind, warm
Neuroticism Being anxious, irritable, temperamental, and moody

BEHAVIOURAL LEADERSHIP

TASK BEHAVIOUR
•The amount of direction a leader gives to subordinates
•i.e. telling subordinates what, when and how to do

SUPPORTIVE BEHAVIOUR
•The social backup a leader gives to subordinates
•i.e. relationship building and support of subordinates

Introduction to Learning and Development - Udemy

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TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Facets of
Transformational Description
Leaders

Translating and setting the vision and mission of the organisations

Idealised influence
and/or the team, instils trust and confidence

Individual Paying attention to the individual and considering everyone’s

consideration preferences, strengths, development areas and so on

Intellectual
Provoking independent thinking and challenging the status quo
stimulation

Inspirational Inspiring and encouraging followers to achieve organisational

motivation objectives

SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Supporting Coaching
Listen, encourage,
Explain, sell, consult
facilitate
Focus on
Relationships

Delegating Directing

Organise, tell what and

Give freedom to decide
how, monitor closely

Focus on Tasks

Introduction to Learning and Development - Udemy