Theories of Leadership

Main Objectives:

At the end of each lecture, the graduate student is expected to:

  1. Refresh memories regarding the basic concepts in Leadership and Management
  2. Discuss leadership theories and management theories and
  3. Implement leadership theories and management theories into the nursing profession.

    I- Concepts in Leadership and Management

        A. Definition of Terms
Leadership
          -defined as a process of influence, is not limited to people who occupy traditional positions of authority.
Management
          -also known as supervision, is a complex process of coordinating, directing and assigning both physical and human resources in order to accomplish an organization’s short-term and long-term objectives.

        B. Leadership Theory
          1. Behavioral Theories
                      -these theories were developed by Kurt Lewin and his colleagues at Iowa State University, beginning in the 1930s.
                ➢ Autocratic Leadership
                      -this type of leadership is based on centralized decision making. The leader makes decisions and expects subordinate to obey. This leader uses his or her power to command others or to control them. This type of leadership may produce significant results, such as military, but generally is not seen as a long-term effective leadership style. If this type of leadership style is used consistently, a great deal of hostility may develop between the leader and the followers.
                ➢ Laissez-Faire Leadership
                      -with this leadership style, the leader defers decision making to her or his followers. The opposite of the autocratic leadership, the laissez-faire leader is often permissive and tends to be distant and uninvolved. Workers in this situation may wind up feeling frustrated (because the person who is supposed to make decisions does not), and efficiency may suffer as a result.
                ➢ Democratic Leadership... [continues]

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