Leadership

Introduction to Leadership in Management

• Course Focus: MGMT 100 – Fundamentals of Management, Week 2, Lecture 1 centers on Leadership, exploring its significance in management.

• Institution: University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Effective Leadership

• Objective: Upon completion of this study, students should grasp the essence of effective leadership, which includes:

  • Power theory

  • Trait and Behavioral theories

  • Contingency theories

  • Contemporary leadership styles, such as Servant and Authentic leadership.

The Process of Leading

• Definition: Leadership is described as the process of influencing others to achieve group or organizational goals.

• Key Functions of Management: Leadership is one of the four main functions of management alongside Planning, Organizing, and Controlling.

Understanding Power in Leadership

• Power Definition: Power refers to the potential ability to influence the behaviors of others. Influence is the resultant change in attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors.

• Types of Power:

  • Hard Power: Involves coercive methods and authority.

  • Soft Power: Relies on influence and persuasion.

Sources of Power and Employee Reactions

• Sources of Power:

  • Legitimate Power: Authority derived from position.

  • Referent Power: Influence based on respect and admiration.

  • Coercive Power: Ability to enforce compliance through threats.

  • Reward Power: Providing incentives to motivate.

  • Expert Power: Power based on skills and knowledge.

• Employee Reactions: Responses can include Resistance, Compliance, or Commitment.

Traits and Characteristics of Effective Leaders

• Leadership Traits: Include personal characteristics such as intelligence, honesty, and self-confidence.

• Great Person Theory: Suggests that leaders are born, not made.

• Trait Theory: Focuses on certain intrinsic traits but acknowledges that traits alone do not guarantee effective leadership.

Strengths-Based Leadership

• Natural Strengths: Natural talents reinforced with knowledge and skills define effective leadership.

• Effective Leadership Focus: It is crucial to recognize, develop, and apply strengths rather than merely identifying traits.

• Important Traits: Drive, integrity, and cognitive ability are key, but do not by themselves ensure leadership effectiveness.

Leadership Behavior Insights

• Leadership Behaviors: The discussion shifts from 'who leaders are' to 'what leaders do'.

• Leadership Style Dimensions: Concern for Production vs. Concern for People determines leadership style effectiveness.

Blake and Mouton's Leadership Grid

• Grid Overview: A visual representation of leadership styles based on Concern for People and Concern for Production.

  • 1,9 Country Club Management: Focuses on relationships, leading to a friendly atmosphere.

  • 9,9 Team Management: Interdependence creates trust and respect while accomplishing goals.

  • 5,5 Middle-of-the-Road Management: Balances performance and maintaining morale.

  • 1,1 Impoverished Management: Minimal effort for required tasks just to maintain membership.

  • 9,1 Authority-Compliance: Emphasizes efficiency and minimizes human elements.

Contingency Theories of Leadership

• Leadership Adjustment: Leaders must adjust their styles based on how ready their followers are to perform tasks.

• Readiness Factors: Consider both ability and psychological readiness (motivation, confidence).

• Situational Leadership Model: Developed by Hersey & Blanchard, it categorizes readiness levels into four dimensions (D1 to D4) based on follower confidence and capability.

Servant Leadership

• Servant Leadership Definition: Leaders who prioritize serving others and the community, transcending self-interest.

• Key Benefits: A focus on employee recognition and empowerment fosters a positive organizational culture.

Contemporary Leadership Insights

• Article Summary: Discusses the convergence of servant leadership with Māori leadership principles, highlighting the emphasis on relationships, integrity, and ethical leadership in the face of contemporary challenges.

Authentic Leadership

• Authentic Leadership Characteristics: Involves self-awareness, ethical consistency, and transparency. Cultivates trust and empowers others through authenticity.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Wrap-Up: Reflect on the importance of adaptable, ethical leadership in management, emphasizing the intersection of various leadership styles and the continual evolution of leadership theories.