Leadership Styles and Development

Case Study Analysis Paper 1

Francine Bretz

Grand Canyon University

Leadership Styles and Development

LDR-600

Kelly Jensen

January 9, 2013

Case Study Analysis Paper 1

To the general public, the term leadership may suggest someone with power and control, such as the President of the United States. Through the many research studies done on this subject and the common proponents to their definitions, Northouse (2013), proposed that leadership is a "process whereby and individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal" (Northouse, p. 5). When comparing the leadership styles of Coach Knight and Coach Krzyzewski, it can be surmised that both individuals fit into this vague definition. The common goal was to win basketball games by influencing players to play their best; how each coach practiced their leadership role is uniquely different. This author's goal is to compare these two coaches styles of leadership.

Coach Krzyzewski

Coach Krzyzewski's (Coach K) style of leadership detailed in the article "Coach K: A Matter of the Heart" (Snook, Perlow & Delacy, 2005) is an example of emergent leadership. He chose to lead his group of followers with respect, exercising social intellect, openness, agreeableness, self- monitoring and emotional IQ; in doing so, he gained mutual respect from the players, their families and his co-workers. Coach K utilized his social power by influencing his player's attitudes and their willingness to perform their best in each basketball game played. Referent power was evidenced by the praise and adoration that not only the players gave to Coach K, but also the reverence of students, families and administrators of Duke University.

Coach Knight

Coach Knight's style of leadership is an example of assigned leadership, occupying the role of the leader of Indiana Universitie's basketball program. He was able to get his players to follow him out of fear; and while he exceeded in his field with over 800 wins (Snook, Perlow & Delacy, 2006), he did so through coercive power. His reputation of throwing chairs, punching police officers, assaulting students, players and fans is the legacy that follows him in the sports world.

Big Five Personality Factors

The Big Five was discovered over 25 years ago and are used to describe specific personality traits and their relationship to effective leaders (Northouse, 2013). Coach Knight exhibited neuroticism; he was going to win no matter