Philosophy of Leadership Management Term Paper Essay

Philosophy of Leadership
Name
Institution
Due Date
Philosophy of Leadership
Definition of leadership
Leadership refers to a set of traits, qualities that influence the ultimate behavior of an individual. Such behavior determines the nature of commitment, participation as well as development within different societal domains. The historical perspective of leadership theory provides different chapters on leadership which demands reconsideration from contemporary society.
Leadership theories
Path-goal Theory
This goal focuses on the motivation aspect of leadership towards followers in the quest to achieve greater results. This theory relates to the contingency approach as is a derivative of the expectancy theory of motivation. In this case, the leader holds the responsibility of providing followers with the appropriate information, support as well as necessary resources required for goal achievement (Farhan, 2018). The leader is required to clearly illuminate the path to the goal as well as explaining the success factors of the journey to followers. Path-goal theory emphasizes the existing relationship between the leader’s style of leadership, the characteristics of followers and the setting of the organizational environment. The leadership style should have the capability of best fulfilling the follower’s motivational needs. This is possible through selecting appropriate behaviors that best suits and fills the missing gaps within the work setting. It can be done through the provision of rewards or appropriate information to the followers. Some of the different styles applicable by the same leader in different situations may include; directive leadership, supportive leadership, participative leadership, and achievement-oriented leadership. The nature of style applicable by the leader solely depends on the complexity analysis of the situation at hand (Farhan, 2018).
Directive leadership style is applicable in giving guidance alongside direction while at the same time, schedules work in accordance with expectations. In this case, directive leadership helps in providing needed satisfaction for tasks that appear stressful under a highly structured environment. Then supportive leadership is considered a friendly and approachable style of leadership that treats followers fairly and greatly concerned with their welfare. The participative leadership on the other hand always involves the subordinates by consulting on various tasks. This style of leadership allows for the participation of members when it comes to decision making by considering their views and suggestions. The achievement-oriented style of leadership is associated with the setting of challenging goals and confers high expectations from subordinates. Such a style of leadership helps in encouraging subordinates since it helps in building their confidence and abilities. It encourages continuous high performance from the followers and demands the setting of clear targets (Olowoselu et al., 2019).
Path-goal theory demands important personal characteristics from the subordinates that include the perception of their ability as well as a locus of control. It is important in scenarios where people may think that they lack in some abilities; therefo...