Summary of Leadership Theories
There are many theories on leadership that are emerging in today's work environments. While leadership styles may differ, the one thing they all have in common is their objective to lead individuals toward a unified goal.
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Types
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According to the October 2003 issue of "Leadership in Organizations," leaders can lead in two ways. They can lead by telling people what to do, or they can lead by influencing people to do things on their own. Depending on what kind of response a leader wishes to elicit from followers will determine the style of leadership they employ.
Directive Leadership
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When leaders tell people what to do through a series of directives, they are using a directive style of leadership. Directive leaders are focused on outcomes and productivity. They are task-oriented and driven by the need to get things done. Directive leaders are not as concerned with the feelings and emotions of their followers as they are about meeting deadlines, hitting quota and reaching goals. Consequently, there is not a great deal of relationship-building found with directive leadership styles.
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Supportive Leadership
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The supportive leadership theory is founded on the premise that leaders can positively influence and motivate followers to support a common goal. This style does not believe in subjecting followers to a series of directives. Rather, supportive leaders want to build relationships with their followers, create a trusting and authentic bond and make followers feel like they are appreciated and valued. According to the supportive leadership theory, by sustaining positive relationships, followers will want to continue supporting the leader. In turn, their support will accomplish the leader's goal.
Situational Leadership
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The situational leadership theory was born from the notion that it would be beneficial to have leaders who can adapt and be flexible to the changing needs of followers. According to the January 2003 issue of "International Journal of Public Administration," situational leadership allows leaders to employ the style of leadership they feel is necessary, depending on the followers. In other words, situational leaders can adapt a directive or supportive leadership strategy if they feel their followers warrant such styles. For followers who may need more direction, the situational leader may utilize a directive style of leadership. If a leader determines that followers could do a better job with a supportive leadership style, the leader will focus on building relationships with subordinates.
Organizational Leadership
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Organizational leadership is a leadership model that promotes the study of organizational behavior to institute successful organizational change. Organizational leaders are specifically trained to lead businesses through transformation, and help guide the process along smoothly. By studying organizational behavior, organizational leaders can determine how the organizational structure will affect employee performance, and how employee performance will be affected by the proposed organizational changes. This theory of leadership believes that by creating a work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated, they will be more receptive to changes. In turn, they will be more agreeable and willing to work through the changes to meet the targeted objectives of the organization.
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References
- Photo Credit Three office workers image by Vladimir Melnik from Fotolia.com
