Leadership Theories
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Leadership Theories and Summary
The following material is a high level summary of twelve approaches/theories in leadership. Each section
covers a theory/approach to leadership. The sections cover the basic assumptions, references,
diagrams, leadership instruments, strengths and weaknesses. This summary is based on the following
books:
Leadership Theory and Practice, Peter G. Northouse,
Third Edition.
Management of Organizational Behavior, Paul Hersey,
Seventh Edition
On Leadership
In perusing these materials, I did not find a simple answer or recipe for leadership. As suspected,
leadership is a part of all us at home, in our business, and our community. What was extremely
beneficial to me was that reading through the various theories, and case studies, I was able to identify
with many of these examples and situations. It had enriched me with an insight about myself and those I
interact with. Frequently, after reading a paragraph, I would relate a particular situation or method to a
behavior that I or someone I know was engaged in.
It is that very awareness of both my personal and other people's behaviors that makes leadership
possible. I am the first to admit that learning about all these approaches to leadership does not
automatically make one a good leader, but they give a tremendous insight and the possibility to become
a better one.
My own view is that "Leadership is a process to change or create something from what otherwise would
be chaos. It must be highly flexible and demands awareness, skills, and sensitivity. It is highly dependent
on situations. Leadership is being human." In my view, the combination of the majority of these
approaches and theories is the true leadership theory. They are all equally eye opening for everyone in
the organization.
Hazem Abolrous
Management vs Leadership
There...