The Great Man Theory

The Great Man Theory

Introduction

With an increase in the research and study on cognitive psychology and behaviors in management sciences, several models and theories of leadership are added to the set of theories and approaches to leadership (Bass & Bass, 2009). The Great Man Theory of leadership argues that the great leaders are born and they cannot be made through learned behaviors. According to the perspectives of Great Man Theory of leadership, it is evident that the born leaders have several inherent qualities and traits that favors them in becoming great leaders of their time and it also distinguishes them from the public, mass humanity or other non- leaders. For example, some of the great men in the history such as Muhammad, Napoleon, Nelson, Mao- se- Tung, Churchill and Gandhi are regarded as born leaders that is they had built- in traits and qualities for effective leadership through which they have achieved a number of milestones. They are regarded as the people who were born to make histories and nothing can come in their way as an obstacle in their leadership activity (Tulsian, 2002). However, the increasing research in the area of management and psychology of leaders have proved the theory of great man as a myth and regarded it as a misconception in the area of leadership. This paper discusses the arguments that are presented against the Great Man Theory of leadership. The basis of the Great Man Theory along with some contentions presented by the Great Man theorists are also discussed in order to clear the stance against the Great Man Theory of leadership. It is argued that the leaders can be made through learned behaviors and they are proved to be effective leaders.

The Great Man Theory of leadership

The idea and concept of the Great Man Theory traces back the roots to the 19th century. The influence of great men or the heroes of the time impacted the origin of the theory that was widely believed by many during that time. Even in today's advanced and globalized world, many people believe the theory of Great Man to be true. There are several arguments against and in the favor of the theory that makes it a controversial and a debatable issue around the world especially among the psychologists and social sciences researchers and also the management sciences professionals where the traits of leadership are required. The historical impact of some of the renowned heroes of the time who influenced the world through their intelligence, charisma, wisdom and other leadership and political skills to be in power motivated the researchers of the time to develop the Great Man theory of leadership. The powers of those leaders led the world into a new direction and they ruled the world for a long tenure which was not possible to be attained by average people. In this way, by the 19th century, the Great Man Theory became popularized. The theory was proposed by Thomas Carlyle who was a Scottish ...