Question no 37: What is the historical background of the Trait Theory of Leadership, and how does it differ from the earlier "Great Man Theory"?
Answer: The Trait Theory of Leadership emerged in the early 20th century, building on the "Great Man Theory." It focused on identifying inherent qualities in leaders and initially aimed to pinpoint specific traits predicting leadership success, such as physical attributes, personality traits, and abilities.
Question no 38: What are some key multifaceted traits exhibited by effective leaders in the modern understanding of the Trait Theory?
Answer: Effective leaders today exhibit a blend of traits, including adaptability, social perceptiveness, ambition, goal-oriented nature, assertiveness, cooperation, decisiveness, dependability, influence, inspiration, high energy levels, perseverance, self-confidence, and composure under stress.
Question no 39: How does the contemporary interpretation of the Trait Theory view the role of learned skills in leadership, and what skills are considered valuable for effective leaders?
Answer: In the modern perspective of Trait Theory, leadership is not solely about innate traits but also involves acquiring and honing specific skills. The most effective leaders are intelligent, organized, persuasive, possess a deep understanding of tasks and goals, and excel in interpersonal and communication skills. Leadership is seen as a dynamic interplay between nature (inherent traits) and nurture (learned skills).
Question no 40: What is the central focus of Contingency Theories of Leadership, and how do they differ from theories proposing a universal leadership style?
Answer: Contingency theories of leadership focus on how the environment and organizational context influence leadership. They suggest that there's no universal leadership style and emphasize that effective leadership varies based on factors like the situation, the leader's style, and the qualities of the followers.
Question no 41: How do Contingency Theories of Leadership view the role of circumstances in determining leadership effectiveness?
Answer: Contingency theories emphasize that what makes a leader effective can vary from one situation to another. Success is not solely determined by a leader's style but also by the unique mix of circumstances in a given context. These theories highlight the importance of leaders adapting to diverse situations for optimal effectiveness.
Question no 42: What is the main theme of Fiedler's Contingency Theory of Leadership?
Answer: The main theme of Fiedler's Contingency Theory of Leadership is that effective leadership depends on the interplay of three crucial variables: the leader, the followers, and the situation. The theory suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all leadership style, and the most effective leadership approach varies depending on the specific context. Fiedler introduced the concept of "situational favorableness" or "situational control," which is assessed based on leader-member relations, task structure, and leader's position power. The theory highlights the importance of aligning the leadership style with the unique demands of a situation and acknowledges that leadership effectiveness is contingent upon the interaction of these variables.
