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Leadership

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Leadership
Comparison and Contrast Leadership Theories A. Comparison
Contrast
Effectiveness of Great Man and Trait Theories
Conclusion
* * * * * * * * * * * * * I. Introduction * In this paper I will be discussing the significance of The Great Man Theory and the Trait Theory of Leadership. The two leadership styles will also be compared and contrasted and the effectiveness of each discussed. These theories each have many effective qualities and also qualities that are not as effective. Throughout time extensive research has been completed to test these theories. (Daft, 2011) II. Definition of Leadership Theories a. Great Man Theory * Great man theory is the main theory of leadership concepts. This is the earliest study of leadership and consisted of the thought or idea that leaders where always male. The theory is the concept that leaders were born with the traits and natural abilities that are needed to be a good leader. Also typically there was only one “Great Man” that put everything together and influenced others by his natural abilities and traits. (Yamazaki & Stillman) There have been many discussions regarding this theory and many say that great men are products of their societies, and their actions would be impossible without the social conditions built before their lifetime. (Cherry) I consider the Great Man Theory to still be somewhat relevant in modern societies. There are many people who get a head start in a company by having relatives or friends involved within the company and their families have a good name. (Daft, 2011) b. Trait Theory * The trait theory is the belief that leaders have a certain set of traits or characteristics. There are many different characteristics that make up a good leader and are examined by this theory. Traits can be considered a set of characteristics that cause someone to behave a particular way. The


References: Cherry, K. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/a/great-man-theory-of-leadership.htm Covey, S. (1991). Principle Centered Leadership. New York: Free Press. Daft, R. L. (2011). The Leadership Experience. (5e ed., Vol. 5). Mason, OH: South-Western Pub. Drucker, P. F. (2004). The Effective Executive. New York, NY: Harper Paperbacks. * Hill, C. . Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/news/money/effective-leader-article-1.372028 McCall. , & Lombardo (n.d.). Retrieved from http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/theories/trait_theory.htm * Yamazaki, Y., & Stillman, P. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/ *
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