Top 5 Leadership Theories and Practices

Leadership is one of the most important parts of the success of any country or organization. It is one complex and multidimensional phenomenon that has been marveling to many today.

With the vast amount of studies on leadership, this has brought the topic of leadership to greater importance than ever before; especially in today’s fast and increasingly globalized world.

What is Leadership?

There are so many definitions of leadership that are based on different research carried out over the years. Each with their views over what leadership means.

Let’s take one from Stogdill.

He puts the definition of leadership as “an influencing process aimed at goal achievement”, this means leadership is a process of influencing a specific group of people to meet a set of objectives.

‘Is there a difference between leadership and management?’ is one of the common questions asked today. Over time, Leaders have been viewed as visionaries and strategists in achieving common goals; meanwhile, managers usually monitor and control performance as well as maintain order and stability in an organization.

It is a common argument among researchers that leaders and managers have distinct roles and responsibilities. Many other researchers have asserted that management and leadership go hand in hand because, in a practical sense, it would be difficult to separate them.

5 Common Types of Leadership Theories

The following are 5 common types of leadership theories. You will get to understand why leadership is such a complex subject of discussion.

#1 Trait Theories

The Trait theories simply assume that people inherit certain characteristics and qualities that prepare as well as make them better suited to leadership. This theory shares similarities with the Great Man theories.

Trait theories usually pick a particular personality type or behavioral characteristics of leaders. The trait theories clearly show that special and distinct traits like extroversion, courage, and self-confidence are common traits that are attributed to great leaders.

If some special traits are important features of leadership, then what explanation are we going to give to people who possess those special qualities but are not leaders? This is one question that has made trait theories in leadership difficult to explain.

From observation, many people possess the common personality traits associated with great leadership, yet most of these people rarely seek out leadership positions.

In retrospect, you may have seen many people who don’t have some of the important traits commonly attributed to effective leadership yet they have succeeded in leading groups of people.

#2 Situational Theories

The Situational theory is yet another theory worth considering in leadership.  It proposed that most leaders choose the best way to act or lead-based upon the situational circumstance around them. It means leaders use different styles that may be more appropriate when making certain types of decision-making.

As a practical example, in a situation where the leader is more knowledgeable and experienced than the members of a group, it is common to choose the authoritarian style as the best style.

But, if most members of a group are skilled or experts, the common approach to go is to use the democratic style of leadership.

Situational theories view leadership base on the condition of things within the group.

#3 Behavioral Theories

The Behavioral theory is a leadership theory that is based on the common belief that successful leaders are made, not born. Well, it is considered as the direct opposite of the Great Man theory.

While it is fact that the Behavioral theory is founded on behaviorism, this type of leadership theory is directly focused on the practical actions of leaders, rather than the inner, mental qualities of the leader.

It is fundamentally believed by the Behavioral theory that people have the capacity to learn to become leaders by teaching and observation.

#4 Participative Theories

One important leadership theory that can’t be ruled out is the participative leadership theory.

It suggests that the ideal style of leadership is one that considers the input and contribution of other members of the group.

This form of leadership greatly encourages participation and contributions from group members. It also helps group members to feel relevant, committed, and important to the decision-making process of the group.

In this form of leadership, the leader retains the right to allow members to make the input during decision making.

#5 Management Theories

The most debated leadership theory is the Management theory. The management theory which is otherwise known as transactional theory is focused on the role of supervising, organizing, the group as well as measuring the group performance.

The management theory base its leadership style on a system of getting rewards and punishments. You will find the managerial theory in the business environment; especially when employees are successful they receive rewards; they fail, punished.

In summary, effective leadership is one of the keys to the success of any organization.