Leadership Theory Timeline (Blog 1)

      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.