Unit-6 Leadership

Leadership Notes

17.1 Meaning

• Definition: Leadership is complex; defined variably:

  • Chester Barnard: Influence of a superior on subordinates.

  • Koontz & O'Donnell: Inducing work with confidence.

  • Alien: Guiding and directing others.

  • George R. Terry: Influencing people to strive for mutual goals.

  • Robert C. Appleby: Directing efforts towards group ideas.

17.2 Nature of Leadership

• Views:

  • Status Group: Leadership due to heredity or position.

  • Focal Person: Leadership lies in traditionally recognized leaders.

  • Function: Facilitating achievement of group goals; success attributed to the leader.

  • Process: Interactive influence exchange between leader and followers.

17.3 Need for Leadership

• Continuous requirement in organizations due to:

  1. Imperfect Organization Structure: Corrects formal and informal group relations.

  2. Technological and Social Changes: Guides adaptation to changes.

  3. Internal Imbalances: Helps navigate complexity from growth.

  4. Nature of Human Memberships: Resolves conflicts between personal and group needs.

17.4 Distinction Between Leadership and Headship/Domination

• Headship: Based on official authority; does not imply leadership influence.

• Leadership: Influential process toward achieving group goals; accepted by the group.

17.5 Leadership Theories

• Trait Approach: Emphasizes leader’s qualities; traits include:

  • Physical, intelligence, sociability, will, dominance.

• Behavioral Approach: Focuses on actions over traits; includes good communication and team spirit.

• Situational Approach: Leadership effectiveness varies with situations and cultural environments.

17.6 Importance of Leadership in Management

1. Motive Power to Group Efforts: Increases performance and teamwork.

2. Aid to Authority: Enhances managerial authority through influence, not power alone.

3. Emphasis on Human Performance: Leadership mobilizes people effectively.

4. Integration of Organizations: Combines formal and informal group efforts.

5. Basis for Cooperation: Establishes understanding through communication.

17.7 Functions of Leadership

1. Motivating and Guiding Personnel: Sparks motivation and unity.

2. Influencing the Social System: Shapes group identity and standards.

3. Understanding Followers: Gaining cooperation through empathy and communication.

4. Creating a Climate for Performance: Encourages follower capabilities.

17.8 Types of Leaders

1. Autocratic Leader: Control and directive; minimal input from followers.

2. Laissez Faire Leader: Delegates full freedom; suitable for mature followers.

3. Democratic Leader: Encourages participation and consensus.

4. Expert/Functional Leader: Lacks formal authority; relies on expertise.

5. Institutional Leader: Derives power from position; may lack expertise.

6. Paternalistic Leader: Focuses on followers' wellbeing; may inhibit their growth.

17.9 Qualities of Leadership

• Key qualities include:

  1. Physical and Mental Vigor

  2. Emotional Stability

  3. Judgment

  4. Balance

  5. Understanding/Empathy

  6. Motivation

  7. Communication Skills

  8. Guidance Abilities

  9. Sociability

  10. Technical Competence

  11. Other Personal Abilities: Honesty, fairness, integrity.

Summary

• Leadership is essential for motivating and guiding teams towards objectives. Effective leadership creates a climate for performance and resolves conflicts between individual and group interests.