To What Extent Does the Success of a Leader Depend Upon the Group S/He Is Leading? Discuss with Reference to Relevant Theories and Support with Examples.
To what extent does the success of a leader depend upon the group s/he is leading? Discuss with reference to relevant theories and support with examples.
This essay will begin by defining the meaning of leadership and whether the success of a leader depends upon the group it is leading. We will look at different styles and approaches of leadership as well as compare it with management by using examples and relevant theories. The essay explains leadership as an aspect of behavior and evaluates contingency theories of leadership and situational factors which determine the characteristics of leadership. Furthermore, we will discuss the nature of managerial leadership and the exercise of leadership power and influence.
There are many definitions of leadership; however, it is believed that there is no agreed definition of this term. ‘Getting others to follow’, ‘getting people to do things willingly’ or ‘the use of authority in decision making’- all these statements are examples of defining leadership. According to Crainer (1995) there are over 400 definitions of leadership and it is a veritable minefield of misunderstanding and difference through which theorists and practitioners must tread warily. Taffinder (1995) suggests that everyone has a theory but, although we know a lot about management, we do not know as much about leadership. Handy (1993) believes that the search for the definitive solution to the leadership problem has improved to be another endless quest for the Holy Grail in organizational theory. Therefore, it is hard to define leadership; nevertheless, it is possible to identify the term as when one person influences the behavior or actions of other person. Good management leadership helps to develop team work and the integration of individual and group goals. It aids intrinsic motivation by emphasizing the importance of the work that people do. (Laurie J Mullins 1999).
Management is sometimes seen as very similar to leadership; however, it is
This essay will begin by defining the meaning of leadership and whether the success of a leader depends upon the group it is leading. We will look at different styles and approaches of leadership as well as compare it with management by using examples and relevant theories. The essay explains leadership as an aspect of behavior and evaluates contingency theories of leadership and situational factors which determine the characteristics of leadership. Furthermore, we will discuss the nature of managerial leadership and the exercise of leadership power and influence.
There are many definitions of leadership; however, it is believed that there is no agreed definition of this term. ‘Getting others to follow’, ‘getting people to do things willingly’ or ‘the use of authority in decision making’- all these statements are examples of defining leadership. According to Crainer (1995) there are over 400 definitions of leadership and it is a veritable minefield of misunderstanding and difference through which theorists and practitioners must tread warily. Taffinder (1995) suggests that everyone has a theory but, although we know a lot about management, we do not know as much about leadership. Handy (1993) believes that the search for the definitive solution to the leadership problem has improved to be another endless quest for the Holy Grail in organizational theory. Therefore, it is hard to define leadership; nevertheless, it is possible to identify the term as when one person influences the behavior or actions of other person. Good management leadership helps to develop team work and the integration of individual and group goals. It aids intrinsic motivation by emphasizing the importance of the work that people do. (Laurie J Mullins 1999).
Management is sometimes seen as very similar to leadership; however, it is
References: Laurie J Mullins (1999) (5th edition) Management and Organisational Behaviour, Financial Times Management, Great Britain Michael A. West (2005) (2nd edition) Effective Teamwork, Practical Lessons from Organizational research, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, United Kingdom Stella Cottrell (2003) Skills for Success, The Personal Development Planning Handbook, Palgrave Macmillan, New York www.onepine.info/content.htm. Leadership Theories 1