Organisations and behaviour
Task 3
Claudia Sardinha
BE2009-0154
LSBM1B
3.1) I will be discussing the study of managerial leadership, the different leadership styles. This includes qualities or traits approach, the functional or group approach, leadership as a behavioural category, styles of leadership, the situational approach, contingency models and transformational leadership.
The qualities approach focuses attention on the person doing the job and not the job itself. It suggests that attention is given to the selection of leaders rather than the training for leadership. Drucker says that “ Leadership is of utmost importance. Indeed there is no substitute for it. But leadership cannot be created or promoted. It cannot be taught or learned.” Therefore according to the qualities or traits approach, you cannot train to become a leader, either you are born with the skill or you are not a leader at all.
Mullins (2007:367)
The functional or group approach is the complete opposite, this approach suggests that greater attention can be given to the successful training of leaders and to the means of improving the leaders performance by concentrating on the functions which will lead to effective performance by the work group. This approach argues that anyone can be trained to become a leader, you do not have to be born with the skill. This approach believes that the skills of leadership can be learned, developed ands perfected.
Mullins (2007:368)
Action-centred leadership focuses on what leaders actually do.
Mullins (2007:368)
The focus of Leadership as a behavioural category was on the effects of leadership styles on group performance. Results indicated two major dimensions of leadership behaviour, labelled ‘consideration’ and ‘initiating structure’. Consideration reflects the extent to which the leader establishes trust, mutual respect and rapport with the group and shows concern, warmth, support and consideration for subordinates and...