Essay on Different Leadership Theories

Running head: Different Leadership Theories

Essay

Ebony Bittings

Grand Canyon University: UDA–575

September 26, 2012

When you think of the terms: leader and leadership, you generally equate them with being only one person. However, my view of leadership, especially effective leadership, is a shared function between many individuals. There are numerous leadership theories. As a whole, leadership theories should be implemented to contribute to the improvement of our schools. I have chosen the school I currently teach at to serve as the subject of my research throughout the duration of this course. I work at an elementary school named Myrtle Ave Elementary school in Irvington, New Jersey. Dionne...show more content...

The only time we are occasionally able to give our input is on Tuesday's when we have grade level meetings. This is only of course if we are asked to do so. Otherwise we are given direct orders and are expected to follow and implement them without question. While I admit that my administrator has knowledge and expertise in some areas, the most successful leaders know that knowledge is strongest when it is shared and multiplied among the masses. In my opinion, Directive theories will never be a positive leadership style because it does not allow for administrators, staff and stakeholders to work collaboratively toward a common and shared goal. When people do not feel invested, they are less likely to contribute their time and dedication. There is absolutely no community involvement or support of my school. I blame my principal for that. The staff has asked numerous times to conduct community outreach programs but our administrator always makes excuses as to why it can't happen.

The actions of an administrator, such as moral, work ethic, academic optimism and trust, are often emulated by its staff. According to the article

The Relationship between Distributed Leadership and Teachers' Academic Optimism (2008): 214–228. "This conception of leadership distribution patterns reflects theory and evidence suggesting that more coordinated forms of leadership distribution make more productive contributions to

Trait Theory

"Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal" (Northouse, 2010, pg. 3).

In an increasingly politically correct, democratic society–where equality of treatment and equity of outcome oftentimes overshadow individual performance–trait theory of leadership has managed to survive. Instead of focusing on the context of a specific leadership situation or the subordinates in an organization, trait theory targets only the man or woman in charge. Essentially, trait theory suggests that potential leaders and great leaders who have already demonstrated success are best analyzed in a vacuum. While trait theory may have fallen in an out of favor over the past century, it...show more content...

Jesus, Washington, Napoleon, and the like found themselves aggregated with the hope of precipitating a set of essential leadership characteristics. "Trait theories did not make assumptions about whether leadership traits were inherited or acquired. They simply asserted that leaders' characteristics are different from non–leaders" (Kirkpatrick & Locke, 1991). Over the course of the theory's development the range of characteristics studied varied widely. Initially scholars focused on physical characteristics such as stature, physique, and weight (Kirkpatrick & Locke, 1991); later, personality aspects such as initiative, confidence and masculinity factored into studies (Northouse, 2010, pg. 19).

Strengths

Although not considered the preeminent leadership theory, falling prey to more teachable forms of leadership (i.e. transformational and authentic leadership) trait theory does possess some notable strengths. First, the theory is highly descriptive and intuitive. People naturally gravitate toward that which is straightforward. This strength is the primary reason that trait theory surfaced as the first major approach to leadership studies. As such, society knows a great deal about how "the leader and the leader's personality are related to the leadership process" (Northouse, 2010, pg. 26). Additionally, trait theory provides an individual with a quick tool which aids in selecting members of an organization as well as an easy means for feedback from

Leadership Theories

Running Head: Leadership Theories 1

Leadership Theories

Leadership Models and Theories 2

Leadership Theories According to Daft (2008, p.20) leadership typically reflects the larger society, and theories have evolved as norms, attitudes, and understandings in the larger world of change. Throughout the centuries leaders have adapted in response to these changes. Northouse (2007, p3) defines leadership as a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. A person's ability to...show more content...

Leadership Theories 4

The Contingency Theory applied to factors unique to each situation to determine whether specific leader characteristics and behaviors will be effective. Researched findings credit Fiedler 's contingency theory as the first to specify how situational factors interact with leader traits and behavior to influence leadership effectiveness. This theory suggests high interest in the situation determines the effectiveness of task– and person–oriented leader behavior.

Contingency Theory

Transformational Theory

The 1970s brought a number of emerging leadership theories, these theories focused on the importance of a leader 's charisma to leadership effectiveness. Many of these theories and models were the same. Transformational leadership theory separated itself between the transactional and the transformational leader. This leadership theory focuses on role and task requirements and utilizes rewards contingent on performance. Research shows that in contrast, transformational leadership focuses on developing mutual trust, fostering the leadership abilities of others, and setting goals that go beyond the short–term needs of the work group.

A large amount of credit is given to Bass 's transformational leadership theory identifies four aspects of