Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice WA2
Written Assignment 2: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Kimberly A. Mitchell
Thomas Edison State College
Abstract
Keywords: trait theories, behavioral theories, contingency theories, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership theories
Written Assignment 2: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Leadership is a topic with many different types of styles. It is also a concept that overlaps with management activities. Working in the corporate world for over twenty years has afforded me the opportunity to interact with both effective and non-effective leaders and managers. The leader who possesses the most important characteristics of an effective leader is a man by the name of Otty. Otty is a leader who possesses traits consistent with many types of leadership styles. These include the following theories; Trait Approach, Skills approach, situational approach, contingency theory, leader-member exchange theory, transactional leadership and transformational leadership. In relation to trait theory, Otty possesses several of the major leadership traits that include intelligence, sociability, and integrity. According to the findings associated with this theory intelligence is positively related to leadership. Findings have determined that leaders have a higher intelligence than nonleaders. “Sociability is a leader’s inclination to seek out pleasant social relationships” (Northouse (2013) p. 26). Otty’s sociability is an example of a leader who seeks out pleasant social relationships. It is stated is leaders who sociability are friendly, outgoing, courteous, tactful, and diplomatic. Having sensitivity to others’ needs and show concern for their well-being. Otty has an understanding of good interpersonal skills. Honesty and trustworthiness is another important trait of a leader. Integrity inspires confidence in others. When he does what he says he’s going to do creates trust and loyalty. Otty’s integrity makes
Kimberly A. Mitchell
Thomas Edison State College
Abstract
Keywords: trait theories, behavioral theories, contingency theories, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership theories
Written Assignment 2: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Leadership is a topic with many different types of styles. It is also a concept that overlaps with management activities. Working in the corporate world for over twenty years has afforded me the opportunity to interact with both effective and non-effective leaders and managers. The leader who possesses the most important characteristics of an effective leader is a man by the name of Otty. Otty is a leader who possesses traits consistent with many types of leadership styles. These include the following theories; Trait Approach, Skills approach, situational approach, contingency theory, leader-member exchange theory, transactional leadership and transformational leadership. In relation to trait theory, Otty possesses several of the major leadership traits that include intelligence, sociability, and integrity. According to the findings associated with this theory intelligence is positively related to leadership. Findings have determined that leaders have a higher intelligence than nonleaders. “Sociability is a leader’s inclination to seek out pleasant social relationships” (Northouse (2013) p. 26). Otty’s sociability is an example of a leader who seeks out pleasant social relationships. It is stated is leaders who sociability are friendly, outgoing, courteous, tactful, and diplomatic. Having sensitivity to others’ needs and show concern for their well-being. Otty has an understanding of good interpersonal skills. Honesty and trustworthiness is another important trait of a leader. Integrity inspires confidence in others. When he does what he says he’s going to do creates trust and loyalty. Otty’s integrity makes