Leadership Styles and the Theories of Management

 

To most people, leaders are born but not made, however, most people also believe that for one to be a good leader, he/she must have some level of experience, commitment, patience, knowledge and above all the ability to work with others to achieve an objective.  People are increasingly accepting that leaders are made, effective leaders go through a continuous process of self-study, training, education and the accumulation of relevant information. Researchers have proposed varied styles of leadership since there is no one particular style of leadership that can be considered as universal.  A good leader should motivate, inspire and direct organizational activities to achieve a common goal.

 

Some of the leadership theories include trait theory, contingency theories, situational theories, behavioral theories, transactional theories, transformational theories just to name but a few. Trait theories have it that people inherit some qualities that make them better leaders; many have begun to question this theory since some people possess good people management skills and leadership traits but are not leaders. Despite all this, trait theories play a role; they have it that good leaders possess the following traits, empathy, assertiveness, visionary, integrity and proper decision making.

 

Contingency theories of leadership bases focus on certain variables related to the organizational environment; these variables define the leadership styles best suited for such circumstances. These theories stress on the fact that leaders should not be stuck in one leadership style. Another theory of leadership is the behavioral theory; this theory bears it that good leaders are made and not born. The theory bases its focus on the actions of leaders and not the intellectual traits. The theory further states that people can observe and learn how to become good leaders.

 

Leadership styles are the approaches that leaders use to motivate their subjects. These styles should be adopted and applied to fit the organization, teams, and individuals. Having a good knowledge of the leadership styles is vital since the knowledge will increase the tools needed to lead effectively. Laissez-Faire Leadership Style, it is a leadership style where a leader allows his subjects to work without supervision and at their convenience as long as the organizational goals are met. They, however, provide the resources needed by the team to perform their duties.

 

Autocratic leadership, autocratic leaders have the complete power over their subjects. The staff has minimal opportunity to make suggestions. These types of leadership style is incredibly efficient since decisions are made quickly. Other forms of leadership styles include charismatic, bureaucratic, democratic and transactional leadership styles.Some of the factors that determine the most effective leadership style in a given situation include the size of an organization, the degree of communication, the level of decision making and personality of the staff.