Leadership Theory

p Leadership Theory - 7 -

The Evolution of Leadership Theory Student Name Course Name

Professor Name

Date

Introduction In to describe the evolution of leadership theory we must first define what we understand leadership to mean . An early or traditional definition of leadership may be , an interpersonal influence directed towards the achievement of a set goal or series of goals (Northhouse 2004 ,

2 . In accordance with the evolution of leadership theory the definition of leadership by a modern frame of reference may be , a relationship dynamic in

nature based on mutual influence between leaders and collaborators in which both reach higher levels of motivation and moral development as they strive to affect change (Freiberg and Freiberg , 1996 ,

298 . This essay will describe the evolution of leadership theory as it developed from being based on individual personal traits and behaviors to the modern theories that are based on dynamic models of situation and on transformation Early Leadership theories : traits and behaviors Ohio State University developed a theory of leadership from a series of studies that obtained data from questionnaires filled in by subordinates and another questionnaire filled in by managers that described the leadership traits and behaviors of their leaders (Fleishman , 1953 ,

2 Two leadership styles were identified and hypothesized to be able to describe all leaders (Fleishman , 1953 ,

2 . The first leadership style was termed "initiating structure (Fleishman , 1953 ,

3 . This leadership style described the leader who directs with transactional and task oriented style . This style of leadership has been described as great for routine and repetitive task , however on the negative side it has also been used to describe the micro-manager (Fleishman , 1953 ,

4 . Examples of how this leadership style may present in the workplace include the leader who lets work-unit members know what is expected of them who schedules the work to be done encourages the use of uniform work procedures assigns work-unit members to particular tasks plans tasks for work-unit members makes his or her attitudes clear to the work unit clarifies work roles and asks for results (Fleishman , 1953 ,

4 The second leadership style identified by the Ohio State theory of leadership was termed "consideration (Fleishman , 1953 ,

5 . This leadership style described the leader who is people-oriented and participative , and transformational (Fleishman , 1953 ,

5 . Examples of how this leadership style may present in the workplace includes , the leader who treats all work-unit members as his or her equal is friendly and approachable does little things to make work pleasant puts suggestions made by the work unit into operation looks out for personal welfare of work unit members encourages a supportive socio-emotional work atmosphere maintains high morale in the work-unit and promotes a collaborative work atmosphere (Fleishman , 1953 ,

5 Around the same time period The University of Michigan conducted similar studies to the Ohio State work (Katz , et al , 1950 ,

23 ) based on questionnaire responses by leader 's subordinates and also developed a two-leadership style theory (Katz...