Abstract In 1950, Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswick, and Levinson and Sanford delved into the concept of the authoritarian personality (TAP). Some of their prime assumptions include that those with TAP are submissive to authority and look to them for the definitions of right and wrong; that they are prejudiced towards an out-group, which they consider weak and inferior. The present study is based on these assumptions. An opportune sample of 100 male students of "hard sciences" were given a questionnaire assessing their susceptibility to an authoritarian source of information over that of a non-authoritarian source, along with Rokeach's Dogmatism scale (measuring authoritarianism). No significant correlation was found between the two factors. Although the findings do not support Adorno, et. al.'s assumptions, they provide evidence for forthcoming theories.
From the Paper "Hitler, Mussolini and many other political and national leaders of the 1930-1950 period adopted and pushed authoritarianism as a strong challenge to democracy. Followers flocked to their banners" (Whitten, 1976, p.622). In an attempt to explain this phenomenon, Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswick, Levinson and Sanford (1950, which will be referred to in the text as AFLS) carried out a search for possible roots and causes of the Authoritarian Personality (TAP) type. Starting at the roots of anti-Semitism, it became a psychological study of ethnocentrism based on Freudian Psychodynamic theory. A person with TAP was defined as "a potentially fascistic individual, one whose structure is such as to render him particularly susceptible to anti-democratic propaganda" and these individuals "exhibit numerous characteristics that go together to form a syndrome", Adorno et al (1950, p.1). These were conventionalism, authoritarian submission, authoritarian aggression, superstition and stereotypy, power and toughness, destructiveness and cynicism, projectivity, concern with sexual goings-on and dogmatism. Some argued that this definition was too limited and too concerned with political opinion, thus defining it as "the desire to impose one's will on others" Ray (1976 cited in Louw-Potgieter (2001), p.78)."
Abstract This paper examines a number of well-known leaders with an special focus on the traits they shared that are necessary in individuals who lead others. The paper further describes their leadership styles, the impact that they had or are having on leaders today, and the kinds of leadership tools that many of them used. This is followed by a brief literature review that addresses leadership and why it is crucial to have strong leaders in the world today. Some of the leaders discussed include General Colin Powell, who lived by the 18 rules of leadership which are listed in the paper. Dr. Martin Luther King's life and leadership role is also described. The paper concludes with a bullet point literature review.
From the Paper " This is not only good in many instances when nothing happens on a large scale, but it can be very important to individuals that need good leadership for them to understand that a smoothly running business, life, or country usually does not experience large-scale happenings, although sometimes they are necessary when they are for the greater good, as will be seen. Those that crave excitement, danger, and risk-taking all of the time are not generally good candidates for most kinds of leadership because they try to change too many things too quickly and this stops them from stopping and thinking long-term about what it is that they might be affecting by their actions. Good leaders, however, have to be willing to 'make a fuss' when the need arises or when they see something that must be changed and cannot be changed through any other means."
Tags:leaders, religion, politics, personal, qualities, charisma, General, Colin, Powell, Dr., Martin, Luther, King
Abstract This paper tackles the eternal question of what makes a good leader by focusing on this classical philosophical work by Plato and some writings of Socrates. These two believed that a truly good leader's actions must be informed by knowing how good and evil are different from each other.
From the Paper "The question of what a leader should do and be is, of course, hardly a new one. It lay at the heart of some of the most important debates of the classical world. We cannot help but, when we read Plato's political and moral philosophy as he expresses it in The Republic, to find some of our questions being asked. Plato, and Socrates as he is represented in this text by his student, argues that a leader must understand the nature of goodness, that his or her actions must be informed by knowing how good and evil are different from each other. I would agree with these great philosophers. This does not mean that a leader may never do something wrong or even evil: There is a difference (as we all know from our personal experiences) between knowing what is right and actually doing it all of the time. But any legitimate leader must know the difference between right and wrong."
Abstract This paper analyzes the major themes in John Steinbeck's short story "The Leader of the People." The paper looks at the story's themes and characters and focuses on the author's concept of America's past versus America's future.
From the Paper "John Steinbeck's "The Leader of the People" is a sentimental and symbolic story that expresses a longing for America's past. It is the final part of "The Red Pony" story cycle, a collection of tales that all center on the character of Jody Tiflin, a young boy who comes of age during the course of the stories. The "Leader of the People" stands as a complete story on its own as it details a day that Jody's grandfather visits the family farm."
Tags: steinbeck, leader of the people, grandfather, jody, carl, past, westering, america
Abstract The paper maintains that personality, intelligence quotient and emotional intelligence are all important personal aspects of being a successful leader. The paper contends that of these, emotional intelligence is the most important. The paper defines personality and presents Michael W. Eysenck's opinion that there are several ways to define personality.
From the Paper "This paper looks at the attributes of a good leader. In order to be a good leader, it is important to be reasonably intelligent, have a positive, can-do kind of attitude and to have a high emotional intelligence. Of these three, the most important is emotional intelligence, as it enables leaders to communicate and to get their followers on side. This paper offers tips on raising emotional intelligence. In addition, a leader must achieve results, otherwise his/her followers will soon defect. We examine ways of achieving results by developing and implementing effective strategies."
Abstract Discusses the Spanish conquistores. Political leaders of the 19th Century in Argentina, Peru and Venezuala. Liberator Simon Bolivar and his rule. Role of the military and national police forces. Twentieth Century revolutions. Suppressions of revolutions. Reformist efforts. Foces is on authoritarian strains in Venezuelan political culture.
From the Paper "An examination of the authoritarian strain in Latin American political culture might begin with a brief look at the Spanish conquistadores who carved out the great Spanish Empire in the Americas. Cortes, Pizarro, Balboa, and Coronado, although independent and autonomous entrepreneurs financed by themselves and by individual investors, were soldiers first. Their mentality and temperament may have somehow planted the seeds, figuratively or literally, for what was yet to come in the New World.
What came were the political leaders of the 19th century: Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin, and Francisco de Miranda ?
all soldiers first and "liberators" of their countries later.
Argentina-born San Martin served with Spanish armies in both Europe and Africa, returned to join the Argentine independence..."
Abstract This paper presents an in depth look at the authoritarian personality types and its defining characteristics. The author examines characteristics such as persuasion, the use of threat, cynicism and obsession with power. Includes details about genetics and environmental influences.
From the Paper "The contempt-respect dichotomy that is the essence of authoritarianism is difficult to observe"it is not often that one sees submissiveness to authority followed immediately by aggressiveness to a subordinate"so the purpose of the current research is to find other ways of identifying individuals with this trait. Among its defining characteristics are submission, aggression, close-mindedness, superstition and stereotypy, fascination with power and authority, cynicism and destructiveness, sexual repression, belief in a dangerous world, and preference for convention. Authoritarians have extremely conservative views, are often racist, respond more strongly to threats than to rewards, and reject those outside of their narrow definition of ?acceptable.? These findings can positively influence the accuracy of an observer's judgments in everyday life, and, in doing so, can facilitate dealing with others."
Abstract This paper applies six leadership theories to an analysis of the character of Charles Foster Kane in Orson Welles' film, "Citizen Kane." It concludes that Kane is typical of authoritarian leadership style.
Abstract The paper introduces right wing authoritarianism and the authoritarian personality as post-World War II models of social psychology. In the present, these models are taken up again to explain right wing authoritarian prime ministers, as we see that authoritarianism is by no means the preserve of fascist, communist or otherwise non-democratic regimes. The paper provides 10 references with a focus on Adorno's circle.
From the Paper "After the Second World War, social psychologists discussed the authoritarian personality, in an attempt to explain Europe's ultra right-wing Fascist movements and leaders and why millions of people had accepted them, most often referring to Hitler or Mussolini. Theodore Adorno (1903-1969) saw the authoritarian personality as extremely conformist, respectful of authority, intolerant, given to ideals of power and cynical, insecure and rigid stereotypes of others. (Adorno et al: 1950) An authoritarian personality respects rules, rather than taking personal responsibility, as in Adolf Hitler's belief that Nazi persecution of Jews, Gypsies and dissidents was right, for the good of the German people and serving the best interests of Europe at large."
Abstract This paper describes the personal reaction of the writer to the film "Grenada P.M. Maurice Bishop, Speaker at Hunter College". The writer is of the opinion that this is a fairly provocative film that portrays Bishop as an aggressive leader of some ability but with a questionable background. The writer also learns how U.S. foreign policy is often misguided, aiming to punish unpopular regimes but also punishing innocent peoples.
From the Paper "To begin with, my reaction was a mixed one. In the opening minutes of Grenada P.M. Maurice Bishop, Speaker at Hunter College, Mr. Bishop urges Americans to engage in a more productive "dialogue" with their Grenadian counterparts; he also implores Americans to engage in a mutually trusting and "normal" relationship with a Grenadian nation that had been wracked by a number of political uprisings and disturbances in recent years. Not to be overlooked, Bishop points out to listeners that Grenadian trade, social services and the economy more generally has been debilitated by the U.S. reluctance to trade with the tiny nation. To bolster his claims that Grenada is a great place to invest, he reports on how capital investment is gaining momentum in Grenada and how government policies are finally pushing the country in the right direction despite various obstacles."
Abstract In today's classroom environment there are many teaching methods and supervision techniques in use. These methods range from the authoritarian approach to the passive approach, providing a wide array of results in academic performance, levels of unacceptable behaviors and overall classroom environments. This paper examines the authoritarian approach to teaching and supervision and discusses the benefits of such a teaching method. Additionally, the paper presents the writer's opinion of why the authoritarian method of supervision is ideal for use in grade school classrooms.
From the Paper "Additionally, the authoritarian teacher emphasizes rules and discipline. Failure to obey those rules is followed by appropriate punishment techniques. While positive reinforcement is certainly used to encourage good behavior, negative reinforcement is often used to discourage inappropriate behaviors. In short, authoritarian supervision of students depends upon the teacher acting as the ultimate authority, providing direction in all classroom activity and making most classroom decisions (Hawley, 1996)."
Abstract This paper examines the work of Thomas Hobbes and suggests that he was an authoritarian political theorist. In particular, the paper examines Hobbes' attitudes vis-a-vis the sweeping powers of a sovereign ruler and his attitudes towards religious toleration. The writer argues that, on both counts, Hobbes' political theory leans towards an authoritarian approach at odds with twenty-first century sensibilities.
From the Paper "It is only fair to suggest that, of all the great Western philosophers of the last four hundred years, Thomas Hobbes is inescapably the least-loved. Much of this, it can be argued, is his own doing. In a modern age that values the primacy of the individual and trumpets the virtues of small government, Hobbes' authoritarian leanings and his belief that the individual must be subjugated to the sovereign power of the state are views understandably ill-received. This paper examines how Hobbes' philosophy practically encourages a zealous monarch to conflate the state's interests with his own personal and selfish ones; moreover, this paper also examines Hobbes' political theories - at least as they are delineated in the Leviathan."
A discussion of how Janet Lewis's novel, "The Wife of Martin Guerre," illustrates the concept that in an authoritarian society there is no regard for the interests and needs of individuals.
1,204 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 41.95
Abstract This paper discusses how Lewis demonstrates effectively, in her novel, by means of several major characters, such as Monsieur Guerre, Martin Guerre, and Bertrande, how the restrictive nature of the patriarchal system impacts negatively on individuals. It also shows how the clearly defined roles assigned to both women and men led to great difficulties on a personal level, which then have consequences that affect the community as a whole.
From the Paper "The role of men in the authoritarian society of rural France was both a powerful and frustrating one. The character of Monsieur Guerre is used effectively by Lewis to demonstrate the negative effects of the restrictions placed upon the male individual by society. The position of cap d'hostal is an extremely important one in the structure of the society. His supremacy is so complete that any actions not first approved by him are considered illegal, he has a great power over all members of his household and can expect complete obedience from them at all times. However, with this power comes a great burden. He is responsible for the welfare of all those under him, and so he must always act in a manner that will benefit the mesnie as a whole. As a result of this he is allowed little emotional freedom and expression. We can see the effects that the role of cap d'hostal has on the individual in Monsieur Guerre. Although a natural authoritarian figure, Monsieur Guerre harshness is accentuated by the burden of his position. On two occasions we can see the extent to which Monsieur Guerre must go to consider the welfare of his household. The first of these is the bear hunt which a young Marin takes part in. as Martin has not asked permission to go on the hunt; Monsieur Guerre is required to punish him."
Tags: arnaud, authoritarian, bertrande, france, guerre, martin, patriarchal
Abstract This paper evaluates the significance of authoritarian and participative leadership styles in today's society, with an emphasis on theories and other considerations for review. The paper shows that these styles contrast each other in dramatic ways, and that there is a strong need for continuity throughout organizations that possess these styles.
From the Paper "In modern organizations, leaders may adopt a variety of perspectives that guide them through their responsibilities as leaders and experts. It is the responsibility of these leaders to adopt a style that best suits their needs, and that provides support for all organizational objectives. There are a number of theories and concepts that have evolved regarding these leadership styles, and this information offers some answers with respect to why some leadership styles work for some people but not for others. The following discussion will assess the authoritarian and participative leadership styles in greater detail, with an emphasis on theory and practice in modern organizational settings. Leadership styles offer a number of key considerations for thought in modern settings, and with the knowledge in place, there are unlimited opportunities to develop a specific leadership style that will suit an individual's talents and skills."
Abstract This research studies the ways in which African-Americans become leaders in the United States today, looking at the struggles that they have to overcome in terms of the general level of background racism that still exists in this nation. This paper comes to an understanding of how the particular challenges faced by African-Americans today produce certain kinds of leaders with specific strengths. As a part of understanding how it is that certain African-Americans find themselves called on to be leaders (and how some of them succeed), this paper looks first at some general ideas about leadership, using tenets pulled from communication theory to help us understand why it is that different leaders choose different leadership styles based on the demands of the moment in history they find themselves in.
This paper also looks at some of the most important African-American leaders of the 20th century as a way of attempting to understand if there are cross-generational values, forms of discourse, and styles of leadership that mark most or even all leaders in this community.
Finally, this proposal describes a research design that will allow for a deeper investigation into the ways in which leadership values and communication skills come together in today's African-American communities to build leaders who are capable of addressing some of the most important issues facing African-Americans today, such as the high incarceration rate of black men, environmental racism, the high rate of single-parent families, and racism, especially by police.
Table of Contents
Preface
Leadership Style
?Hoping Not to Fail"
Research Design
Works Cited
From the Paper "It may be tempting to think that all great leaders are the same ? that they come into this world with certain traits that mark them as different from the rest of us. But this is not true: Leaders vary in important ways, and not simply because of differences in their own personalities. Rather, leaders are molded by the political and cultural circumstances of their moment in history ? even as they also mold those circumstances. One of the most important circumstances that molds any African-American leader is the prevalent racism in the United States and structures of inequality that have persisted since slavery."
