Leadership involves the ability to influence others and achieve goals through various approaches and traits. Key behavioral approaches are explored through studies from Ohio State University and the University of Michigan, emphasizing the importance of both sensitivity to subordinates and task orientation.
The Ohio State University studies
Consideration – describe the extent to which a leader is sensitive to subordinates, respect ideas and feelings, and establish mutual trust
Initiating structure – describe the extent to which a leader is task oriented and direct subordinate’s work activities to achieve goals
University of Michigan studies
Employee-centered leaders – Established high performance goals and displayed supportive behaviour toward subordinates
Job-centered leaders – less concerned with goal achievement and human needs. Focus on meeting schedules, keeping costs low and achieving production efficiency.
Leadership traits
1. Physical Characteristics
2. Personality
3. Work-related Characteristics
4. Intelligence and Ability
5. Social Characteristics
6. Social Background
Traits are the distinguishing personal characteristics of a leader.
Personal characteristics – physical, personality, intelligence and ability, social and work related.
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP THEORIES
The ability to influence people toward the attainment of goals (Daft & Marcic, 2013).
CONTINGENCY APPROACHES
-Focuses on the characteristics of followers in determining appropriate leadership behaviour.
-Followers vary in readiness level, which is determined by the degree of willingness and ability to perform specific task.
-Effective leaders adapt their style according to the readiness level of the people they are managing.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Self-Actualization Needs
Self-fulfillment and achievement.
Esteem Needs
Feelings of achievement and self worth through recognition, respect and prestige from others.
Affiliation Needs
Friendship, love and a feeling of belonging.
Security Needs
Safe physical and emotional environment.
Physiological Needs
Food, water, air and shelter.
SOURCES OF POWER
Other sources
1. Personal effort
2. Network of relationship
3. Information
Personal
1. Expert
2. Referent
Position
1. Legitimate
2. Reward
3. Coercive
DEFINITION
Resulted from an interaction of leader and followers
The capacity to cause a change in a person
The ability to influence the behaviour of others (Daft & Marcic, 2013).