Leadership and management theory looks beyond the traditional definitions if leadership and management, leadership is understood in the context of various variables such as skill levels and situational factors and management as a necessary component for increased efficiency and productivity.
Leadership Theories:
Leadership theories highlight the distinct characteristics that enable a leader to be successful versus unsuccessful. There are eight types of leadership theories:
Contingency theories
Trait theories
Behavioural theories
Relationship theories
Power theories
Situational theories
Participative theories
Transactional theories
The most important theories of the eight are Great Man theories, Contingency theories, Behavioural theories, and Transactional theories.
The ability to be a good leader is something that you are born with and not something that can be learned through studying or practicing. The ability to be leader is inherited and not found in most people.
There are different leadership styles, which are appropriate for different settings. It cannot be assumed that leadership skills in one type of organisation does transfer to another type of organisation.
There are four subcategories in this theory:
Fiedler’s Contingency theory: There are three variables that are needed for the success of an organisation or group. These variables are group atmosphere, task structure and a leader’s position of power.
The Normative Decision Model: Emphasises situational factors more than how leadership is carried
Hersey & Blanchard’s situational theory: Suggests that no single leadership style is inherently better than another. Instead of relying on a fixed approach, leaders should adapt their techniques based on the abilities and maturity of their followers.
Path-Goal Model: The productivity of followers which stems from motivation and satisfaction is based on the behaviour of the leader. Therefore the leader should change their behaviour accordingly to improve productivity.
The success of a leader is based on the behaviours of the leader. Leaders can be made through the development of skills and becoming knowledgeable. The actions of the individual is more important than the physical, mental, or social characteristics in determining their success as leaders.
Effective leaders need to utilise systems and structures which are centered around rewards and punishment to motivate followers.
Management theory:
Management theories include the following:
Behavioral assumption
Bureaucracy
Chaos theory
Contingency theory
Decision theory
Operations management
Prospect theory
Scientific management
Strategic management
Systems approach
Theory X and Theory Y
Reference List:
Jury, K. (2022). LibGuides: Business: Management: Management & Leadership Theories. [online] guides.centralpenn.edu. Available at: https://guides.centralpenn.edu/business-management/credo-mgmtlead-theories [Accessed 10 Jun. 2024].
thecommonwealth (2004). Theories and Principles of Leadership and Management Overview. [online] Available at: https://edu.thecommonwealth.org/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=5456#:~:text=Over%20the%20decades%20there%20have [Accessed 10 Jun. 2024].