Leadership is central to organizational success because leaders influence motivation, teamwork, conflict handling and change. In OB, leadership is studied through styles and theories and also through power and influence, which explain how leaders get things done. This topic covers basic styles, major theories and power bases used in organizations.
Leadership is the process of influencing people so that they willingly work toward achieving organizational goals.
Key elements:
In practice, effective executives combine both leadership and management.
Trait theory suggests leaders possess certain traits such as confidence, integrity, communication ability and achievement drive. Limitation: no single trait list fits all situations.
Behavioral theories focus on what leaders do:
These theories say leadership effectiveness depends on the situation:
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Leadership is central to organizational success because leaders influence motivation, teamwork, conflict handling and change. In OB, leadership is studied through styles and theories and also through power and influence, which explain how leaders get things done. This topic covers basic styles, major theories and power bases used in organizations.
Leadership is the process of influencing people so that they willingly work toward achieving organizational goals.
Key elements:
In practice, effective executives combine both leadership and management.
Trait theory suggests leaders possess certain traits such as confidence, integrity, communication ability and achievement drive. Limitation: no single trait list fits all situations.
Behavioral theories focus on what leaders do:
These theories say leadership effectiveness depends on the situation:
Leaders should adapt style based on follower readiness (ability and willingness):
Power is the capacity of a person to influence the behavior of others and to get things done.
Effective leaders use power ethically, especially expert and referent power.
Common influence tactics:
Ethical leadership means leading with integrity, fairness and responsibility. It builds trust, reduces misconduct and improves long-term organizational reputation.
Case: A department head uses threats to meet targets. Short-term output rises, but employees become stressed, absenteeism increases and good workers resign.
OB view: overuse of coercive power; poor leadership style. Solution: participative style, recognition, goal clarity, and ethical use of power.
From this topic
Three leadership styles are:
Qualities of an effective leader (any three):
(Other valid qualities: vision, empathy, decision-making.)
Leadership theories explain why some leaders are effective.
Trait theory emphasizes qualities like integrity and confidence. Behavioral theory focuses on what leaders do, such as task orientation and consideration. Situational theories say leaders must adapt depending on follower readiness and task conditions.
Therefore, modern leadership development combines personal qualities, trainable behaviors and situational understanding for effective results.