Based on the Leadership Theory Timeline we can draw incite on what is believed the chronological order of leadership theories. The two that I am going to discuss are the Great Man and Trait Theories. Lets first start off by understanding the concept of a theory. A theory is generally an idea that cannot be tested against; something unable to be proven right or wrong; a statement that tries to explain why something is happening. Together as a class we drew those assumptions to define theory. Before we plunge into these two specific theories, I feel it is necessary to illustrate the Leadership Theory Timeline bellow:
1776-1900's ---- Great Man Theory
1907-1948 ---- Trait Theory
1950's-1960's ---- Behavioral Theory
1950's-1980's ---- Situational Theory
1970's-PRESENT ---- Process/Reciprocal Theory
As you can see the two theories we are going to discuss happen to be the oldest in relation to the theory timeline. In the Great Man Theory era, this was the time leaders were born. They were not made, they did not learn how to lead, and they simply were born into the role. This was done thanks to family lineage or royalty. Looking at this theory with a traditional school of thought concept such as saying these leaders were wealthy, royalty or political leaders may arise. A main focus of this era was intermarriage, keeping the bloodline going, joining other kingdoms together for a bigger and better empire. Then you can also approach this theory with a modern school thought saying great leaders are heroic and emerge during a great need.
With the Trait Theory it is said there are certain traits of a leader: Those with the certain traits are predisposed to being a leader. These certain traits may include; hair or eye color, weight or even height. So this theory is based more on an image of what constitutes a great leader, in that time period. Using a traditional school of thought we infer someone who posses the trait theory with characteristics such as:
Intelligence
Self Confidence
Determination
Integrity
Sociability
Relating this to my life, I feel society portrays images of a modern day great leader as charismatic, wanting change and a willingness to want to work with others. These are all very good traits that a leader should posses. Together as a class we decided on two modern day leaders, Ghandi and Nelson Mandela, who lead on the following:
-Standing up for what they believed in
-Joining the masses
-Wanting change through peace
-Willingness to work with others
-Non-conformers
-Sacrifice for beliefs
-Stable under pressure
With either approach there is no right or wrong conclusion to these theories. They both posses information on what constitutes the characteristics or traits of a great leader. What a leader chooses to learn from these theories and apply to their own ability to lead is entirely up to them. I will argue the fact that traits cannot be learned, but would never stand beside the belief of basing a leader on appearance.
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ReplyDeleteInteresting article, I like your viewpoint on the nature versus nurture leadership question. A different perspective can be read at Are Leaders Born or Made?
ReplyDeleteFrom a scientific perspective, a theory can be reproduced. A "statement that explains something" is an assumption. Once these assumptions are validated, then it becomes a theory. That said, many of the "theories" are still at the assumptions phase, but people regard them as theories.