Early Leadership Theories

Early leadership theories

Trait theory: identify characteristics

Seven characteristics (Traits) associated with leadership: Drive, desire to lead, honesty and integrity, self-confidence, intelligence, job-relevant knowledge, extraversion.

Possessing the appropriate traits make it more likely to be an effective leader but are not sufficient.

Behavioural theory: identify behaviours

University of Iowa studies: 3 different styles: autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire style

ohio state studies: 2 categories that accounted of the leadership behaviour : initiating structure (define and structure the roles) and consideration (trust and respect for members)

University of Michigan studies: employee oriented (interpersonal relationship) vs production-oriented (technical and task aspect)

Managerial grid: “concern people” and ”concern production” on a 81 categories

Contingency theories of Leadership

developed after becoming clear that defining traits and behaviour were not enough. consider that different situation require different style of leadership.

Fiedler Contingency Model

Effective group performance depends on the proper match between the leader’s style (task or relationship oriented) of interacting and the degree to which the situation gives the leader control and influence. Choose the style with least-prefered co-worker questionnaire. for him, leader cannot change his style.

Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership: situational theory

focus on follower readiness because it is the follower that accept or reject the leader. use also tasks and relationship behaviours but with 4 styles (telling, selling, participating, delegating) and 4 stages of readiness (unable and unwilling, able and willing...)

Leader Participation Model

Argue that leadership behaviour must adjust to reflect the task structure, whether it is routine, non routine or in between. five leadership styles (decide, consult individually, consult group, facilitate, delegate)

Path-goal theory

effective leader clarify the path to help their followers to get from where they are to achievement of their work goals

4 leadership behaviour (directive leader, supportive leader, participative leader, achievement-oriented leader). Leaders are flexible and change style according to the situation, with 2 variables (environment and