Leadership theory
How people become leaders and what makes a great leader have
been the subject of study for centuries. The 19th century was
dominated by the Great Man Theory, which stressed that
leadership is a unique, natural skill and that great leaders are
born to the task.
List of transactional leadership traits
Transactional leadership is one approach to leading people.
The following are some of the many leadership theories advanced
in the 20th century:
Trait theory dates to the mid-20th century and it centers on the
idea that some people are born with certain personality traits that
make them great leaders, such as integrity and self-confidence.
Situational leadership is where the leadership style is adjusted
based on the readiness or skill-level of followers in a given
situation.
Contingency theory posits that effective leadership depends on
having the right leader for the right situation.
Transactional leadership is an approach where leaders reward or
punish followers to achieve results.
Transformational leadership is where leaders appeal to followers'
values and emotions to transform the way they think and
approach their work or life.
Behaviorist theory encompasses a person's leadership skills are
developed and trained as products of their environment.
Behavioral theory is where a leader models certain behaviors,
setting a good example for others to follow.
Functional theory is leadership based on a collection of people's
behaviors and group dynamics, not individuals.
Path goal theory is where leaders set goals and smooth the path
to those goals to motivate and drive performance.
