Leadership Theory Essay

Submitted By JOEY052670
Words: 465
Pages: 2

Leadership Theories
Contemporary Issues in Leadership
BSA538-MBA3168

The purpose of this paper is to define leadership and management, discuss the functions of leaders and managers in the organizational context, and to compare various leadership theories. Of the theories presented, one will be chosen as the one that best defines leadership and that best leads to organizational success. Leadership is defined as “an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes and outcomes that reflect their shared purposes” (Daft, 2011, p. 5). Management, on the other hand, is defined as “the attainment of organizational goals in an effective and efficient manner through planning, organizing, staffing directing, and controlling organizational resources” (Daft, 2011, p.15). While both management and leadership are needed for organizational effectiveness, they should not be used interchangeably. They serve different purposes in the organization. Leadership provides vision and strategy, creates shared values, focuses on motivating and listening, and creates a culture of integrity (Daft, 2011). Management focuses on planning, organizing, objects rather than people, and creates a culture of efficiency (Daft, 2011). There are six basic theories regarding leadership. The Great Man Theories contends that certain men are born with heroic leadership traits and a natural ability to influence others. This put great pressure on one man and restricted others from fully engaging as they would never be able to become the great man. Trait Theories looked to attribute certain traits and characteristics to success. Unfortunately, no consensus was formed on just what traits and characteristics would always lead to success (Daft, 2011). Behavior Theories seeks to classify individuals as leaders based on the things he does rather than traits or characteristics. It isn’t just the things that the leader does himself, but how he treats others as well that is important to the