Remember also that your assignment must demonstrate critical thinking, as I have emphasised in each lecture. Question assumptions by considering the negative aspects of post-bureaucratic soft power. Is it desirable in all circumstances? Are there ethical considerations? What about concerns with subtle manipulation and control? You need to grapple with the complexity of the issues – not merely give a one-sided managerialist argument.
Leadership is essential in the post-bureaucratic era; however leadership is an extremely complex term that is often an overthought and has an indefinite interpretation in society. Leadership can be defined as the ‘process of directing, controlling, motivating and inspiring staff towards the stated organisational goals’. (Clegg, Kornberger & Pitsis 2011, p. 126). There are many traditional theories of leadership which I will be discussing including personality traits, behaviors, postmodern and the contingency theory.
Ernest Shackletons leadership is viewed as ‘nothing short of spectacular’ during his journey across the Antarctic continent overland. One day away from Land, the vessel became iced in, and eventually sank. Shackletons role as a leader was to get every man home alive. Shackleton displayed three leadership approaches/theories he displayed on the remarkable journey .Shackletons ability to lead his men emphasizes technical and personality skills, which both can be learned and developed. The skills approach is centered around this idea, however skills can be also gained through past experiences, as seen by Shackleton, this the main reason the men respected him, due to his well-known knowledge. The style approach was displayed by Shackleton through his tasks and interpersonal relationships with others. Conflicts between men on board the ‘Endurance’ were often resolved by Shackleton, this presenting the style approach being displayed by him. The Contingency