Question

Were the following theories relevant to its time.

Trait Theories

Behavioral Theories

Contingency Theories

Influential/Relational Theories

Answer 1

As interest in the psychology of leadership has increased over the last 100 years, a number of different leadership theories have been introduced to explain exactly how and why certain people become great leaders.


Trait Theory

Through many researches conducted in the last three decades of the 20th century, a set of core traits of successful leaders have been identified. These traits are not responsible solely to identify whether a person will be a successful leader or not, but they are essentially seen as preconditions that endow people with leadership potential.
The traits approach gives rise to questions: whether leaders are born or made; and whether leadership is an art or science. However, these are not mutually exclusive alternatives. Leadership may be something of an art; it still requires the application of special skills and techniques. Even if there are certain inborn qualities that make one a good leader, these natural talents need encouragement and development. A person is not born with self-confidence. Self-confidence is developed, honesty and integrity are a matter of personal choice, motivation to lead comes from within the individual, and the knowledge of business can be acquired. While cognitive ability has its origin partly in genes, it still needs to be developed. None of these ingredients are acquired overnight.


Behavioral Theories of Leadership

The behavioral theories of leadership take a slightly different approach than the trait theories. The most important assumption underlying the behavioral theory is that the leaders can be made. It tries to show that not all are not born leaders but there are particular behaviors that can be learnt to become leaders. So, this would mean that people can be trained to become leaders. In this regard, the behavioral theories also sound common sense because if it was not true, there would not have been leadership programs churning out leaders. So, people can get leadership training to start leading others. This is how many have become leaders simply by emulating the more successful leaders. There are specific skills that may be learnt to lead. The behavioral theories have in this way provided a better perspective on leadership by showing that leadership is not meant only for specific people but that anybody can be a leader given that he can properly demonstrate leadership behavior. It shows leadership in a more positive light and helps us take a more open minded approach towards leadership. However, the emphasis of the behavioral theories is on behavior and skills.

Contingency theories of Leadership

Contingency theories put forth the idea that the success of a leader hinges on the specific situation at hand. Certain factors come into play that define whether a particular leader or leadership style will be effective for the given situation. Those factors include the task, the personality of the leader and the composition of the group that is meant to be led. Its basic assumption is that leadership – success or failure – is situational.

There are a number of different sub-theories that fall under the general contingency umbrella. They include: Fiedler’s Contingency Theory, the Situational Leadership Theory, the Path-Goal Theory and the Decision-Making Theory. While all similar on the surface, they each offer their own distinct views on leadership.


Relationship theories

Relationship theories, also known as transformational theories, focus upon the connections formed between leaders and followers. Transformational leaders motivate and inspire people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the task. These leaders are focused on the performance of group members, but also want each person to fulfill his or her potential. Leaders with this style often have high ethical and moral standards.

Relational Leadership refers to a model or perspective on leadership that focuses on the idea that leadershipeffectiveness has to do with the ability of the leader to create positive relationships within the organization.