theory matrix

Theory

Page Numbers

Great Man & Trait Theory

2, 3, 4, 5

Skills Based Approach and Behavioral Approach

5, 6

Situational & Path Goal Theory

6, 7, 8

Leader Member Exchange & Transformational Leadership

8, 9

Authentic Leadership & Servant Leadership

10, 11

Adaptive Leadership & Inclusive Leadership

11, 12

Leadership and Influence

12, 13

Scholars

(Benmira & Agboola, 2021)

Vital Information

The theory posits that leaders are born, not made. As a result, their qualities like charisma, intelligence, and wisdom are integrated into their work. It centers on heroic actions by individuals and their impact on history; the story often portrays male political and military figures in history. Leaders are born, not made, and emphasize inherited traits and inherent abilities for leadership.

According to Trait theory, especially the Big 5 personality traits inventory, leadership efficiency and success depend on certain personality traits. This theory presupposes that these traits are relatively permanent and can define the effectiveness of leadership. It is more concerned with assessing them as an indicator of leadership success.

Research:

Carlyle, 1841

Galton, 1869

Judge and Cable et al., 2002

McCrae and Costa, 1997

Northouse, 2022

Applications

Trait Theory can be considered a continuation of the Great Man Theory, which pays attention to measurable traits. Its application is like the behavioral and situational theories that focus on learned behavior and ways to deal with specific situations. Trait theory is also used in leadership measures such as personality inventories and 360-degree feedback to promote recognition of leadership talent. This is also applied in what is called executive coaching to build desirable personality attributes often linked to leadership qualities.

Context

Trait theory has similarities with the Great Man theory but is slightly more quantifiable. It also overlaps with the behavioral theory since traits may determine leadership behaviors. It also supports the Leader Emergence theories, which addresses how various characteristics and facilitates the perception of leadership.

Notes:

Although the Great Man Theory is no longer recognized in today's leadership literature and research, it still provides a historical framework for analyzing leadership theories. Trait theory gives people information regarding leadership aptitudes, however, it has been criticized as it tends to downplay the significance of situational factors. Studies also pointed out that using traits alone cannot adequately explain leadership effectiveness because other things, such as context and behaviors also exist.

Scholars

Robert Katz (Skills Model, 1955)- Ohio State & Michigan Studies (Behavioral Theory, 1940’s-50’s)

(Kwon & Silva, 2019) for Behavioral Approach

Vital Information

Leadership is a set of learned skills rather than innate traits. Behavioral theories focus on a leader’s actions rather than characteristics.

The Behavioral Approach posits that leaders’ behaviors should be the center of attention not inherent personality characteristics. It also presupposes that leadership is a skill that can be developed or nurtured in individuals. This splits leadership into two broad behaviors: task assigned (which relates to goals and control) and people oriented (which is about interpersonal connections).

Research:

Robert Katz, Skills Model and Ohio and Michigan State Behavioral Studies.

For Behavioral Blake & Mouton, 1964

Lewin, Lippitt, & White, 1939

Northouse, 2022

Applications

It is used in leadership training programs in order to consciously cultivate key behaviors like listening, conflict resolution and goal setting. It also comes in handy in performance appraisals since it enables the evaluation of leaders according to their behavior.

Context

Like situational theory, the behavioral approach is strategically aligned as both theories aimed at modifying behaviors based on contexts. It also corresponds to the Path-Goal Theory, which is about the ways that a leader can modify his or her behaviors to help the followers to attain goals.

Notes:

The strengths of the behavioral approach include its applicability as well as its focus on analysis of behavior. However, critics have argued that it fails to capture the richness of leadership and the role of situational variables. Scholars have noticed that leadership behaviors can be classified into task-oriented and people-oriented.

Scholars

Northouse, P. G. (2024). Blanchard, (Situational Leadership, 1969). House, (Path-Goal Theory, 1971).

Situational (Funk, 2022).

(Dare & Saleem, 2022)

Vital Information

In path goal theory, members must adapt styles to the situation and follower readiness. Path Goal emphasizes leader guidance based on goals. Path-Goal Theory by postulates that organizational leaders should ensure that paths to goals are clear and free of barriers so as to influence the motivation and

Situational Theory provides by Hersey and Blanchard states that the style of the leader varies depending on the level of commitment and willingness of the followers. It further posits that leadership does not have a right practice and that leaders should be adaptive to environmental dynamics.

Research:

Hersey & Blanchard, 1969

Northouse, 2022

Applications

Situational Theory is used in leadership training programs to enable the leader to identify the followers' preparedness and the kind of leadership to offer. It is also applied in team management to enhance their performance and motivation.

Context

Situational Theory shares characteristics like behavioral theory because it focuses on how behaviors change according to circumstances. It also links with the Path-Goal Theory, which outlines how leaders can assist followers in attaining their objectives. As a theory in organizational leadership, the Path-Goal Theory is used to enhance employee motivation and organizational performance. It can also be applied to the concept of coaching and mentoring in order to show how leaders can encourage individuals in their teams / organizations to attain specific individual / career objectives.

Notes:

Situational Theory shares characteristics like behavioral theory because it focuses on how behaviors change according to circumstances. It also links with the Path-Goal Theory, which outlines how leaders can assist followers in attaining their objectives.

Scholars

Graen & Uhl-Bien (LMX, 1995) James MacGregor Burns (Transformation, 1978)-Bernie Bass.

Vital Information

The Behavioral Approach posits that leaders’ behaviors should be the center of attention not inherent personality characteristics. It also presupposes that leadership is a skill that can be developed or nurtured in individuals. This splits leadership into two broad behaviors: task assigned (which relates to goals and control) and people oriented (which is about interpersonal connections).

Research:

Blake & Mouton, 1964

Lewin, Lippitt, & White, 1939

Northouse, 2022

Applications

It is used in leadership training programs in order to consciously cultivate key behaviors like listening, conflict resolution and goal setting. It also comes in handy in performance appraisals since it enables the evaluation of leaders according to their behavior.

Context

Like situational theory, the behavioral approach is strategically aligned as both theories aimed at modifying behaviors based on contexts. It also corresponds to the Path-Goal Theory, which is about the ways that a leader can modify his or her behaviors to help the followers to attain goals.

Notes:

Scholars

George, B. (Authentic Leadership, 2003)-Greenleaf, R., (Servant Leadership, 1976).

Vital Information

Authentic leaders act with integrity and transparency. Servant leaders prioritize follower needs above their own needs above their own.

Research:

George, B. (Authentic Leadership, 2003)-Greenleaf, R., (Servant Leadership, 1976).

Applications

Builds trust and ethical leadership. Example, A mentor prioritizing team growth over personal recognition.

Context

Servant leadership is important because it prioritizes growth and the well-being of your coworkers or followers. Robert K. Greenleaf, felt that effective leadership arises when leaders focus on serving others rather than accumulating power.

Notes:

According to leader emergence theory, leadership depends on context and interactions in the group. Based on prior studies, emerging leaders are great; they have behavioral profiles and practical competencies, which give them advantage in engaging the people that they lead.

Scholars

Heitetz et al, (Adaptive Leadership, 2009). Bourke & Dillon (Inclusive Leadership, 2016).

Vital Information

Adaptive leaders navigate change effectively. Inclusive leadership focuses diverse and equitable environments.

Research:

Heitetz et al, (Adaptive Leadership, 2009). Bourke & Dillon (Inclusive Leadership, 2016).

Applications

Is important in today’s dynamic work culture. Personal: Example: Leading diverse teams in a changing business environment. Adaptive leadership helps the organization in recognizing complex challenges while inclusive leadership focuses on creating environments where each team is made to feel important by letting them know they belong to the team.

Context

Adaptive leadership is significant because it embraces change, while inclusive leadership ensures complete participation from all members as well as valuing diversity.

Notes:

While many of these leadership skills focus on diversity, would they change based on illegal DEI programs? This part worries me, going into this year of unspeakable firings based on the work of a horrible administration.

Scholars

(Benmira & Agboola, 2021)

Vital Information

Leadership and Influence theory defines the way through which leaders influence the people around them. It presupposes that leadership is about changing the behavior of people and having them to do things that are in the interest of others. This theory provides credence to the notion that effective leadership should involve the manipulation of communication and relationships.

Research:

Cialdini, 2001

Yukl, 2013

Northouse, 2022

Applications

Leadership and influence theory is used in the field of marketing, politics and the leadership of organizations to create strategies of persuasion and motivation. It is also used for coaching and mentoring because it supports leaders to develop better interpersonal relationships with their subordinates.

Context

Leadership and Influence theory relates closely to Bases of Power theory in that both look into how leadership applies power. It also links to Behavioral Theory because influence tends to deal with specific behaviors and ways of communicating them.

Notes:

Leadership and Influence theory points to the fact that ethical influence is a critical component of leadership.

Scholars

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