Explain how an understanding of the main theories on leadership can benefit managers of organisations.
To be successful, a manager must have many qualities, one of which is leadership. The success of any group activity usually depends heavily on leadership. It can therefore be advantageous for a manager to possess a broad understanding of the different theoretic styles of leadership. There are three main types of theory:
÷ Trait Theories rely on certain personality characteristics, which can range from intelligence and self-assurance to upbringing and education or even personal appearance and health, the list is endless, yet years of study have failed to identify any one trait to distinguish a leader from a non-leader.
÷ Style Theories - this is the belief that certain styles of leadership work better than others in getting the most out of staff performance:
o Dictatorial - the use of bullying tactics to force subordinates to work;
o Autocratic - the leader makes all the decisions and expects things to be done his way;
o Democratic - group decision-making in which subordinates must be willing to participate;
o Laissez-faire - minimal direction is given to subordinates who are allowed extensive autonomy.
English: Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado ...
English: Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado ...
English: SK Leaders' Program Leadership Training, ...The degree to which each or any of these styles is effective is largely dependent on the work environment, leader and subordinates. Ultimately, a manager will most likely choose his leadership style based on how he views his subordinates.
÷ Contingency Theory is an understanding that a lot depends on the particular situation the manager is faced with. Leaders must consider:
(a) their own preferred style;
(b) their subordinates' preferred style of leadership;
(c) the task at hand; and
(d) the working environment.
Managers must find the best fit for their particular situation.
Managers can derive from these theories that there is no one...