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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Organizational leaders must understand how to lead employees effectively. Research the major leadership theories (e.g., Situational Leadership Theory (SLT), Charisma Leadership Theory, Transactional/Transformational Leadership Theory, Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory, and so on). Select 3 leadership theories to examine, analyze, and discuss.
For each of the 3 leadership theories, concentrate on the following:
Briefly describe each theory (history, foundation, model, and application).
Discuss the strength and weakness of each theory.
Explain how organizations can create effective leaders.
Explain options and strategies that an organization can utilize to apply this theory to leadership.
Select 1 theory to implement.
Develop a specific method for implementation explaining your rationale for the selection of this theory and your proposed implementation design.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Introduction Leadership is a crucial aspect of organizational management. A leader’s ability to motivate, inspire and guide employees determines the success of the organization. Over the years, several leadership theories have been developed to help organizations understand the different approaches to leadership. In this essay, we will examine three major leadership theories, including Situational Leadership Theory (SLT), Charisma Leadership Theory, and Transactional/Transformational Leadership Theory. We will briefly describe each theory, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and provide options and strategies for organizations to apply these theories to leadership. Finally, we will select one theory to implement and provide a specific method for implementation.
Situational Leadership Theory (SLT) The Situational Leadership Theory, also known as SLT, was developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard in the late 1960s. It is based on the premise that the most effective leadership style varies based on the situation and the maturity of the followers. The theory suggests that leaders should adjust their leadership style to match the development level of their followers. The theory has four styles of leadership: directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating.
Strengths: SLT is a flexible leadership approach that allows leaders to adapt to different situations and the development level of their followers. The theory also provides a clear framework for leaders to follow, which helps in decision-making.
Weaknesses: SLT is based on the assumption that followers are passive and their development level is constant. It also lacks in-depth analysis of the factors that influence a follower’s development level.
Organizations can create effective leaders by providing leadership training programs that focus on developing situational awareness and the ability to adjust leadership styles. Leaders can also be trained to understand their followers and evaluate their development levels.
Transactional/Transformational Leadership Theory The Transactional/Transformational Leadership Theory was developed by James MacGregor Burns in 1978. It is based on the premise that leaders can either lead through a transactional approach, which focuses on exchanging rewards and punishments for desired behavior, or a transformational approach, which focuses on inspiring and motivating followers to reach their full potential.
Strengths: The theory provides a comprehensive framework for leaders to follow, which helps in decision-making. It also provides a clear understanding of the impact that leaders have on their followers.
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