Academic Theories of Leadership and Motivation: Literature Review

Academic Theories of Leadership and Motivation

Literature Review

The following paper outlines the comparison and contrast of four leadership models and theories. The purpose of this paper is to acquaint readers with the basic concepts underlying each model and theory. A review of the scholarly studies on leadership shows that there is a wide variety of different theoretical approaches to explain the complexities of the leadership process (e.g., Bass, 1990; Bryman, 1992; Gardner, 1990; Hickman 1998; Rost, 1991). Some researchers conceptualize as a trait, or as behavior, while others view leadership from a political perspective, or from a humanistic viewpoint.

The paper begins with a description of leadership trait theory, a theory that concerns itself solely with leader characteristics. Following this, two theories are reviewed. They are: transactional leadership and contingency approach to leadership. The paper concludes with a look at transformational leadership. Although these leadership theories or models could be considered contingency models, they are addressed separately because of the emphasis that they place on morality and follower development.

Leadership is one of those words has many meanings and can be interpreted in many different ways. To some it may mean the ability to have power and control over others or maybe even having the ability to overrule someone. However, my interpretation of the word is helping and relating to others. It is the ability to show one the correct path and the right steps to get there without pushing them. Leadership is helping and relating to others, it is the ability to show one the correct path.

Leadership to me is a strong person with high self-esteem. The leaders are the ones that stop and help someone in need or volunteer. A leader to is a parent, a friend, and the mentor. A leader is important to me because they are the ones that give you a little help when you need it. They are the ones that guide you thru life and are there when you need a helping hand. Leaders come from good families and schools that teach leadership.

Leadership is power. It is a characteristic in human beings that is so amazing that it can separate a significant person from a group of thousands of people. Leadership is the ability to gain respect and authority over many people in all circumstances. It can be positive, negative, tangible, or intangible.

Leadership can be broken down into four main categories: servant leadership, situational leadership, transformational/transactional leadership, and trait theory. Deciding which leadership style to use depends on the individual and the situation. Every leadership style can be used effectively.

Many people want to be the follower but not the leader. Leaders have the most responsibility in the group and take the blunt of the criticism if something goes wrong. Some leader's are just there because they took over not because the people want them to be the leader. This is dictatorship and this is not being a leader this is controlling. When a leader control's they take all ...