6. Leadership styles Leadership can be defined as “leadership is the interpersonal influence exercised in a situation and directed through communication process towards attainment of specified goals”. (Robert Tannen Baum) (Business Dictionary 2015) Leadership is the process of influence of influencing the behaviour of other people to work willingly towards the achievement of specified goals in a given situation. Leadership naturally implies the existence of a leader and followers as well as their mutual interaction. Leadership style can be defined as “leadership style is the way in which the leaders themselves behave by way of exercising their influence and power to affect responses of other through which they have to get things done”. (Organizational In Laissez Faire leadership style, the leader allows group members to set their own goals, to take decisions and to implement those decisions themselves.
Features of Laissez Faire leadership style Subordinates have full freedom as regards No guidelines and rules of behaviour are established for the conduct of members It is directionless. The leader doesn’t direct his group members It is inspiration less. The dealer does not inspire group members Disadvantages of Laissez Faire It may lead to chaos and misunderstanding of group goals since group markers are allowed to set their own goals It doesn’t promote group morale, satisfaction, and development of group cohesiveness It is directionless since the leader does not direct his group members It emphasises neither production nor employee satisfaction Employees are left to drifting. Basic of distinction Autocratic style Democratic style Laissez Faire Delegation of authority Little More Behavioural theory f. Participative theory g. Management theory h. Relationship theory a. Great man theory The term “Great Man” was used because at the time, leadership was thought of primarily as a male quality. Assumes that the capacity for leadership is inherent, that great leaders are born, not made b. Contingency theory Leadership as being more flexible – different leadership styles used at different times depending on the circumstances. No leadership style is best in all situations, it depends on the situation. c. Trait theory 1. Achievement drive-high level of effort, ambition, energy and initiative 2. Leadership motivation-an intense desire to lead others to reach shared goals 3. Honesty and integrity-trustworthy, reliable and open 4. Self-confidence -belief in one’s self, ideas, and ability 5. Cognitive ability- capable of exercising good judgement, strong analytical abilities, and conceptually skilled 6. Knowledge of business-knowledge of industry and other technical matter 7. Emotional maturity d. Situational theory Proposes that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situational variables Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for certain types of decisions
