The Hurt Locker: The Four Perspectives Of Leadership Theory

Another OB theory that is examined in The Hurt Locker is Leadership. This theory is defined as the ability of an individual to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute towards the effectiveness and success of organizations of which they are members. There are four perspectives on Leadership; these perspectives include Trait, Behavioral, Contingency and Transformational.
The trait or competency perspective of leadership proposed that leaders are more likely to have certain personality, social, physical, or intellectual traits than non leaders. Trait perspective emphasis on leadership competencies, which are learned behaviors such as skill, abilities, and values. Successful leaders acquire competencies that include; * Drive
Effective leadership depends on the match between the leader’s style and the degree of control he or she has in the situation. When control is high, situation is considered to be “favorable” and vice versa. Favorableness depends on three key factors or contingencies. Position power: the authority associated with the leader’s formal position in the organization. Leader-member relations: the quality of interpersonal relationships between a leader and the group members. Task structure: the degree of clarity, or ambiguity, in the work activities assigned to the
The theories mentioned so far have been, transactional leadership theories: a process of social exchange between followers and leaders that involves a number of reward based transactions. The transactional leader clarifies performance expectations, goals, and a path that will link achievement of the goals to rewards. Transformational leadership is leadership that inspires followers to share a vision, empowers them to achieve the vision, and provides the resources necessary for developing their personal potential. Transformational leaders serve as role models, support optimism, and mobilize commitment as well as focus on the followers needs for growth.
Characteristics and Behaviors of Transformational Leaders Characteristics | Behaviors | Charisma (idealized influence): followers have complete faith in him/her | Articulates vision, mission | Inspirational motivation; inspires loyalty in the organization | Models the vision | Individualized consideration; gives personal attention to all members | Builds commitment to mission | Intellectual stimulation: enables followers to think about old problems in new ways | Demonstrates personal integrity