Leadership in Modern Society

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines why the trait and behavioral approaches to leadership turned out to be of only limited usefulness. The writer discusses how much more successful current views are regarding what makes a good leader. The writer maintains that the trait and behavioral approaches to leadership failed to prove useful for multiple reasons including their lack of understanding or acknowledgement of the dynamic rather than static status in which a leader must operate. This paper explains why these forms of leadership proved marginally useful, and then addresses whether current views about what makes a good leader are valid.

Outline:
Introduction
Contemporary Perspectives
How Much More Successful Are Today's Leaders
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"There are many reasons the trait and behavioral approaches to leadership did not succeed. While the ideas and concepts behind them seem strong, these approaches were singular in nature. They suggest that a single concept, trait or behavioral style resulted in successful leadership. Little empirical data however suggests that leaders using either the trait based or behavioral based modal succeed. For example, one of the traits one my associate with successful leaders is good decision making skills or problem solving. There are many individuals that are great thinkers, capable of solving multitudinous problems. However, there is ample evidence suggesting people with great problem solving skills would not make great leaders."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barker, R. A. (2001) The nature of leadership. Human Relations, 54(4): 469-93.
• Barnett, T. & Shubert, E. (2002) Perceptions of the Ethical Work Climate and Covenantal Relationships. Journal of Business Ethics, 36(1): 280-90.
• Bennett, N., Wise, C., Woods, P., & Harvey, J. (2003) Distributed Leadership. Nottingham: National College for School Leadership.
• Burns, J.M. (1978) Leadership. New York: Harper & Row.
• Boulding, K. (1956) The Image. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press

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