Learning from Famous Leaders
Learning From Famous Leaders Written Assignment
Presented to the Faculty of Eastern University
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the Bachelor of Arts in Management of Information Systems
Ethical Character of Leadership
OM 440
Instructor
Sharon McGee
Leadership is a concept that has many characteristics associated with it, but may be best understood by how effective an individual or group is at leading others to accomplish a goal. This paper will look at some leadership characteristics demonstrated by Marcus Garvey, who established the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Jamaica, West Indies in 1914.
Garvey founded the UNIA to elevate the economic, cultural and political lives of blacks throughout the world. The UNIA became the largest black organization in history, with over two million members. Garvey's strong personality and charisma held the organization together with a leadership style that some may consider autocratic, since he was very strict and inflexible regarding the standards he established for his organization.
Charisma is a criterion we often look for in leaders. While it can be argued whether charisma is "possessed by leaders independent of society or a quality dependent upon recognition by followers" (Phillips, D. T., p. 77), Garvey clearly exhibited this quality. In fact, he came to America with little money, friends or connections, but his strong personality and commanding oratory skills quickly gained him a following (Wormser, R., 2007).
Another mark of an effective leader is competency, which can be measured by how productive or efficient they are. Pat Carrigan of automaker General Motors is excellent example of productivity and efficiency.
Under Pat Carrigan's leadership at General Motors' Lakewood plant, she was able to reduce grievances from a record high of 5,500 to zero. When she worked at General Motors' Bay City location, she helped productivity increase by 40 percent. (Kouzes, J.M.,
Presented to the Faculty of Eastern University
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the Bachelor of Arts in Management of Information Systems
Ethical Character of Leadership
OM 440
Instructor
Sharon McGee
Leadership is a concept that has many characteristics associated with it, but may be best understood by how effective an individual or group is at leading others to accomplish a goal. This paper will look at some leadership characteristics demonstrated by Marcus Garvey, who established the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Jamaica, West Indies in 1914.
Garvey founded the UNIA to elevate the economic, cultural and political lives of blacks throughout the world. The UNIA became the largest black organization in history, with over two million members. Garvey's strong personality and charisma held the organization together with a leadership style that some may consider autocratic, since he was very strict and inflexible regarding the standards he established for his organization.
Charisma is a criterion we often look for in leaders. While it can be argued whether charisma is "possessed by leaders independent of society or a quality dependent upon recognition by followers" (Phillips, D. T., p. 77), Garvey clearly exhibited this quality. In fact, he came to America with little money, friends or connections, but his strong personality and commanding oratory skills quickly gained him a following (Wormser, R., 2007).
Another mark of an effective leader is competency, which can be measured by how productive or efficient they are. Pat Carrigan of automaker General Motors is excellent example of productivity and efficiency.
Under Pat Carrigan's leadership at General Motors' Lakewood plant, she was able to reduce grievances from a record high of 5,500 to zero. When she worked at General Motors' Bay City location, she helped productivity increase by 40 percent. (Kouzes, J.M.,
References: Beckhard, R., Goldsmith, M., Hesselbein, F. Leader Of The Future. 1996, Jossey-Bass. Garvey, 2007. The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey. By Marcus Garvey, Amy Garvey. 1967, Routledge (UK). Kouzes, J.M., Posner, B.Z. Credibility How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It. 2003, Jossey-Bass. PBS, 2007. People & Events: The Negro World. Retrieved January 20th, 2007 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/garvey/peopleevents/e_negroworld.html. Phillips, D. T. Lincoln on Leadership, 1992 Warner Business Books. Spencer, P., 2007. American Experience. Did Garvey commit mail fraud? Retrieved January 20th, 2007 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/garvey/sfeature/sf_forum_12.html Wormser, R., 2007. Jim Crow Stories. Retrieved January 20th, 2007 from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_people_garvey.html. Yuen, A. 2007. UCLA African Studies Center, American Series Introduction Volume I: 1826--August 1919. Retrieved January 23rd, 2007 from http://www.isop.ucla.edu/africa/mgpp/intro01.asp.