Question

Compare & contrast the major leadership/management theories.

Answer 1

Comparison and contrast of the major leadership / management theories :-

1) Contingency theory : According to this theory, there are some variable factors which determines that which type of leadership style is best needed for any particular situation. In other words, there are no leadership style which is best for all situations.

2) Great man theory : According to this theory, leadership quality is possessed by birth. The leadership quality of great leaders are expressed when it is needed. It is believed that leaders are born, and not made.

3) Trait theory : According to this theory, there are certain hereditary traits or characters which controls the leadership quality of any person. These traits are inherited by the leaders.

4) Behavioural theory : According to this theory, behaviour of leaders in the direction of followers plays a major role in controlling their leadership style.

5) Transformational theory : According to this theory, transformation leaders provides motivation and inspiration for their followers. Due to this followers wants to achieve results more than desired.

6) Transactional theory : According to this theory, followers are motivated and encouraged by the means of rewards to achieve the best performance. Leaders work to know the needs of followers which can enable them to achieve the best performance and get the rewards.

7) Charismatic leadership theory : This theory relies upon charismatic characteristics of the leaders. These charismatic characteristics have a strong impact on the followers and make them possible to do any anything.

These are the major leadership / management theories.