Summary: Evaluating Contemporary Views Of Leadership
Evaluating contemporary views of leadership
Daniel E. Brewerton
University of Phoenix
Evaluating contemporary views of leadership
There are various contemporary views on leadership, and each has similarities and unique qualities from other current leadership perspectives. Early in my study of leadership views, the book The Leader’s Companion gives the perspective that an individual will use more than one approach (Wren, 1995). Our class lecture from week three clearly shows the body of research on leadership has grown substantially; there are over 10,000 resources on the subject and is expected to grow (University of Phoenix, 2014). To compare and contrast three current leadership views, I will use the contemporary views of leadership …show more content…
According to Chemers (1984), he asserted there were no defining set of traits that pointed to leadership, only behaviors that one can observe that appear to be common of leaders (p. 91-92). Stogdill (1948) conducted a study of 120 known traits to find a pattern of traits that define leadership material. The conclusion was there is no pattern of traits (as cited in Wren, 1995, p. 92). In the 50s, research into behaviors as opposed to traits led to a rating scale referred to as the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ). A study of military and business leaders presented data that show two types of leader behaviors. These observable behaviors were Consideration and Initiation of Structure. This consideration behavior involved a leader showing concern and compassion toward their followers. In contrast, Initiation of Structure was more of a task-oriented focus (as cited in Wren, 1995, p. …show more content…
We witness this view on display in a short story Journey to the East (Hesse, 1957) by a character named Leo featured by Spears (p. 33). The main character is a servant to the expedition; later the members of the expedition discover that this individual was the leader of the sponsoring organization.
Our final difference is another view held by Spears. The assertion is a set of ideals more clearly refining leadership. These ideals according to Greenleaf are increasing one 's service to others, promotion of one 's community, sharing power to make decisions, and a holistic approach to your work (as cited by Spears, 1996, p. 33).
Daniel E. Brewerton
University of Phoenix
Evaluating contemporary views of leadership
There are various contemporary views on leadership, and each has similarities and unique qualities from other current leadership perspectives. Early in my study of leadership views, the book The Leader’s Companion gives the perspective that an individual will use more than one approach (Wren, 1995). Our class lecture from week three clearly shows the body of research on leadership has grown substantially; there are over 10,000 resources on the subject and is expected to grow (University of Phoenix, 2014). To compare and contrast three current leadership views, I will use the contemporary views of leadership …show more content…
According to Chemers (1984), he asserted there were no defining set of traits that pointed to leadership, only behaviors that one can observe that appear to be common of leaders (p. 91-92). Stogdill (1948) conducted a study of 120 known traits to find a pattern of traits that define leadership material. The conclusion was there is no pattern of traits (as cited in Wren, 1995, p. 92). In the 50s, research into behaviors as opposed to traits led to a rating scale referred to as the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ). A study of military and business leaders presented data that show two types of leader behaviors. These observable behaviors were Consideration and Initiation of Structure. This consideration behavior involved a leader showing concern and compassion toward their followers. In contrast, Initiation of Structure was more of a task-oriented focus (as cited in Wren, 1995, p. …show more content…
We witness this view on display in a short story Journey to the East (Hesse, 1957) by a character named Leo featured by Spears (p. 33). The main character is a servant to the expedition; later the members of the expedition discover that this individual was the leader of the sponsoring organization.
Our final difference is another view held by Spears. The assertion is a set of ideals more clearly refining leadership. These ideals according to Greenleaf are increasing one 's service to others, promotion of one 's community, sharing power to make decisions, and a holistic approach to your work (as cited by Spears, 1996, p. 33).