Contemporary Leadership
Warren Gray
Contemporary & Classical Leadership Styles
ORG 6504: Leadership and Management
Kathryn Kelly
August 5, 2012
Contemporary & Classical Leadership Styles There has been much research compiled that compares the differences of the classic theories of leadership and management versus contemporary style of leadership and management. Both styles have been found to have their unique advantages, depending on the type of organization the theories are being utilized in. In this paper, I will be discussing the key variables needed in a leadership theory to effectively lead and manage others. I will also examine major components of each theory, and how they compare to one another. Finally, I will examine which theory best fits my leadership qualities, and my ability to lead others in an organizational setting. Yukl, (2010). describes three major variables in leadership theories. The first characteristic of a leadership theory is character traits. This includes motive: What is the reason this person is asking others to follow him or her? The second characteristic is personality: What type of person is this; are they confident and optimistic about reaching the desired outcome? Do they have the skills and expertise to instruct others on how they can go about reaching the goals set forth? The third characteristic of an effective leadership theory is values: Does this person believe in honesty and integrity, and will this person not sacrifice their beliefs to reach a goal that seems out of reach, or can be obtained by taking shortcuts? (p. 12). The second variable needed is the attitude of the followers. The followers must first have the need to want to succeed. They must also want to be able to be lead, and not have their own agenda or reasoning for being a part of the organization. The followers must have the skills and expertise to perform the necessary duties that are being asked of them by the leader. They also must be committed to the task, and
Contemporary & Classical Leadership Styles
ORG 6504: Leadership and Management
Kathryn Kelly
August 5, 2012
Contemporary & Classical Leadership Styles There has been much research compiled that compares the differences of the classic theories of leadership and management versus contemporary style of leadership and management. Both styles have been found to have their unique advantages, depending on the type of organization the theories are being utilized in. In this paper, I will be discussing the key variables needed in a leadership theory to effectively lead and manage others. I will also examine major components of each theory, and how they compare to one another. Finally, I will examine which theory best fits my leadership qualities, and my ability to lead others in an organizational setting. Yukl, (2010). describes three major variables in leadership theories. The first characteristic of a leadership theory is character traits. This includes motive: What is the reason this person is asking others to follow him or her? The second characteristic is personality: What type of person is this; are they confident and optimistic about reaching the desired outcome? Do they have the skills and expertise to instruct others on how they can go about reaching the goals set forth? The third characteristic of an effective leadership theory is values: Does this person believe in honesty and integrity, and will this person not sacrifice their beliefs to reach a goal that seems out of reach, or can be obtained by taking shortcuts? (p. 12). The second variable needed is the attitude of the followers. The followers must first have the need to want to succeed. They must also want to be able to be lead, and not have their own agenda or reasoning for being a part of the organization. The followers must have the skills and expertise to perform the necessary duties that are being asked of them by the leader. They also must be committed to the task, and
References: Yukl, G. (2010). Leadership in organizations (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall Mahmood, Z. (2012).Review of Classical Management Theories. International Journal of Social Science and Education. 2(1). Retrieved from: http://ijsse.com/sites/default/files/issues/2012/volume%202%20issue%201%20Jan%202012/paper%2039/paper-39.pdf. Goertzen, B, Foster, D, III, Nollette, Chris, & Frank P. Nollette. (2013). Emergency Services Leadership: A Contemporary Approach. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett. Giampettro-Meyer, A., Brown, T., Browne, & Kubasek,N. (1998). Do we really want more leaders in business? Journal of Business Ethics. (17)1727-1736. Gergen, D. (2012). Director of the Center for Public Leadership. Retrieved from http://www.leadershipnow.com.