Braveheart Case

Braveheart

Edward the Longshanks, king of England was a dominant figure bent on obtaining allegiance by most any means available. He was an autocratic leader in that he was the central authority. The only power that he was willing to give was to those that he could still control through fear and bribery. Expansion of his power base came by using the greed of others. Given no concern for human needs, he expected his followers to do what they were told and not think for themselves. Input from others was received but ultimately what he wanted was all that mattered. He used negative theory by applying fear for those that opposed and positive theory by offering rewards for those that agreed with him is his quest for power.

Braveheart is based on the life of William Wallace. William Wallace was a leader most would follow due to the fact that he did not feel he was more important that the ultimate goal, freedom for Scotland. Wallace is single minded and shows directive leadership by having aclear vision or purpose. All he wants is freedom. He was Democratic in his leadership style in that he was willing to delegate authority, encouraged participation and relied on the advice of others. This style is closely related Herzberg's motivators and Maslow's higher order skills and also applies to McGregor's theory Y group of people.

Wallace makes great strategic decisions. He knows military strategy and history, because he has studied it. This knowledge and preparation, along with his native intelligence, allows him to make good decisions. Wallace leads by example. Those leading the English armies he fought, sat on their horses, high on a hill, and away from the battle. Wallace stood at the front lines, with his troops, battling with them side by side. This became an inspired vision of those that saw their leaders' willingness to be in the fight with them.