Theories Of Leadership

• Leadership is generally considered as one of

the complex concepts.
• Several theories have been developed which
explained the leadership components and
behaviour related to leadership.
• These leadership theories complement each
other.

By – Harsh Dabhade
 Various Theories Of Leadership
1. The Great Person Theory / Trait Theories
2. Behavioural Theories
3. Contingency Theories
4. Contemporary Theories

By – Harsh Dabhade
 The Great Person Theory /
Traits Theory
• According to this theory of leadership , Great
persons are simply born with necessary
internal characterstics such as confidence,
intelligence and social skills that make them
natural born leaders.
• Great person theory / trait theory assumes
that the capacity for leadership is inherent-
that Great leaders are born , not made.

By – Harsh Dabhade
 Behavioural Theories
• Leaders are not born but can be trained or
developed.
• Effectiveness of leadership is based on learnt
skills.
• There is no use of Physiological Traits.
• Mainly focuses on the actions of leaders.

By – Harsh Dabhade
 Contingency Theories
• Also sometimes called as situational approach.
• This is a very special kind of approach which
states that the success of a leader does not
only depend on his abilities.
• Situational leadership approach views
leadership behaviour as an action that
motivated by special situation.

By – Harsh Dabhade
 Contemporary Theories
• Contemporary theories follow various aspects of trait as well
as behavioural and contingency theories.
 Transformational Leadership :-
Transformational leaders have a deep and
unique effect on their subordinates as they guide their
followers to give priority to the organisational interest
 Transactional Leadership :-
Transactional leadership is based on the
relationship of the leaders with their subordinates . This
helps them to guide the appropriate path which should
be adopted in order to accomplish the established goal.
By – Harsh Dabhade