LEADERSHIP THEORIES

MUA
 LEADERSHIP THEORIES

What are Leadership Theories?

 are schools of thought brought forward to explain how and why certain
individuals become leaders.

 The theories emphasize the traits and behaviors that individuals can

adopt to boost their own leadership abilities.
LEADERSHIP THEORIES
The great man theory of leadership states that excellent
leaders are born, not developed.
The trait theory of leadership states that certain natural
qualities tend to create good leaders.
The behavioral theory of leadership focuses on how a
person’s environment, not natural abilities, forms him or her into
a leader.
The transactional theory of leadership, also called the
management theory, studies leadership as a system of rewards
and penalties.
The transformational theory of leadership, also called the
relationship theory, studies effective leadership as the result of a
positive relationship between leaders and team members.
The situational theory of leadership does not relate to a
certain type of leader or claim that any one style is best.
Instead, situational theory argues that the best kind of leader is
one who is able to adapt her style based on the situation.
 The Great Man Theory:
 Proposed by Thomas Carlyle in the 1840s

 leadership is an inherent trait of a person who is destined to become a great

leader by birth and they prove themselves when the great need arises.

 In other words, some people are born to become leaders and leadership is a
heroic act.:

Criticism: This theory was criticised or questioned due to the following

reasons:It was a male-centric approach when women have proved to be great
leaders too.

 This theory explains that leadership cannot be learned or taught it’s an

inherent trait.
 There is no scientific validation to support this theory.
 It neglected the environmental and situational factors which affect the
leadership process.
LEADERSHIP THEORIES
The Trait Theory:
 proposed by Ralph M. Stogdill in the late 1940s;

 explained that an individual must possess the key personality traits and
characteristics to be an effective leader and these traits are inherent by
birth

 This theory was criticised since it neglected the environmental factors

which may not always remain the same. The list of traits is quite vast and
keeps on changing from time to time. It was unable to explain failures
despite possessing the certain traits specified in the theory. Moreover, of
the identified traits can be acquired through learning and training.

LEADERSHIP THEORIES
•The Behavioural Theory:
• evolved in the 1950s. After understanding that the personal traits of a
leader are essential for effective leadership, the researchers were now
keen to know that what leaders do to become effective leaders

• focused on the leader’s behaviour rather than traits.

• To study the behaviour of leaders, two major research programs were

started by two different universities namely, the Ohio State Leadership
Studies and the University of Michigan Studies.

LEADERSHIP THEORIES
Transactional Leadership Theory:
 emphasizes the realization of a desired outcome and result. The leaders
motivate the followers by way of a reward system( i.e. rewarding the
performers and punishing the non-performers).

 emphasizes maintaining a cordial relationship with the followers, leaders

and followers must work mutually to meet organisational goals.

LEADERSHIP THEORIES
•Transformational Leadership Theory
• states that a leader is effective only if he can transform or change the
perceptions, behavior and expectations of the followers and direct them
towards a common goal which will lead to the accomplishment of the
leader’s vision.

• Such leaders have a charismatic and influential personality

LEADERSHIP THEORIES
 Situational Leadership:
 The pioneers of this theory were Kenneth
Blanchard and Paul Hersey.
 This theory states that the same leadership
style cannot be practiced in all situations,
depending upon the circumstance and
environmental context the leadership style also
changes.
 The model encourages the leaders to analyze
a particular situation in depth and then lead in
the most appropriate manner, suitable for that
situation.
 The three aspects that need could be
considered in a situation are:
• Employees‟ competences
• Maturity of the employees
• Complexity of the task

LEADERSHIP THEORIES