Contingency Theories of Leadership
Report on the Contingency Theories of Leadership
Executive Summary
This report presents an overview of the Contingency theories of Leadership over time and their relevance to the study of Management and Leadership in organizations.
The report opens with a general definition of leadership and then tracks the evolution of leadership theories over the past 70 year, concentrating on the contingency theories of leadership. Each of these offers some insights into the qualities of successful leaders, with respect to generic characteristics and behaviours of an individual to the recognition of the importance of responding to different situations and circumstances and the role of the leader in relation to followers.
The report concludes with the notion that due to a number of factors, there may not be just One Best Way to lead. The changing nature of work and society demands new approaches that encourage a more collective and evolving outlook on leadership.
Definition of Leadership
Broadly defined, leadership is the ability to influence a group of people, and leading them to the attainment of a common goal. A leader is generally someone with authority and confidence, and the ability to motivate the group and in turn inspire trust and respect.
Leadership and Leaders
Leadership is what leaders do. The word ‘authority’, used in the definition of leadership is the basis of all research done on leadership with respect to business management. Although there may be some people who do not hold a formal position of authority in an organization, they still might be able to influence people as mentioned above.
Importance of Leadership in Organizations:
There is a reason why most businesses are organised with a “boss” or various layers of authority and leadership – this is the model which produces the most effective and efficient system for generating productivity and profitability. Leadership is vital for both in building the strength and power of the
Executive Summary
This report presents an overview of the Contingency theories of Leadership over time and their relevance to the study of Management and Leadership in organizations.
The report opens with a general definition of leadership and then tracks the evolution of leadership theories over the past 70 year, concentrating on the contingency theories of leadership. Each of these offers some insights into the qualities of successful leaders, with respect to generic characteristics and behaviours of an individual to the recognition of the importance of responding to different situations and circumstances and the role of the leader in relation to followers.
The report concludes with the notion that due to a number of factors, there may not be just One Best Way to lead. The changing nature of work and society demands new approaches that encourage a more collective and evolving outlook on leadership.
Definition of Leadership
Broadly defined, leadership is the ability to influence a group of people, and leading them to the attainment of a common goal. A leader is generally someone with authority and confidence, and the ability to motivate the group and in turn inspire trust and respect.
Leadership and Leaders
Leadership is what leaders do. The word ‘authority’, used in the definition of leadership is the basis of all research done on leadership with respect to business management. Although there may be some people who do not hold a formal position of authority in an organization, they still might be able to influence people as mentioned above.
Importance of Leadership in Organizations:
There is a reason why most businesses are organised with a “boss” or various layers of authority and leadership – this is the model which produces the most effective and efficient system for generating productivity and profitability. Leadership is vital for both in building the strength and power of the
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