LEADERSHIP

THEORIES
EARLY LEADERSHIP
THEORIES

BY: AJAYI ABISOLA MARY

BSN4C
1. GREAT MAN THEORIES; (1900-1940)
 Great Man theories assume that the capacity for leadership is a basic – that great leaders are born
with innate qualities, not made and intended to lead. These theories often give detailed description as
great leaders are very brave and intended to rise to leadership when needed. The name “Great Man”
was used because, at the time, leadership concepts was of primarily as a male quality, especially in
terms of military and western.

2. TRAIT THEORIES; (MID 1940s)

 The Great Man theory and Trait theory were the first form of theories in leadership until the mid
1940s, Trait theory assume that people receive certain qualities and a particular quality in your
personality that make them better to do good leadership. Trait theories frequently identify individual
personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders. If particular traits are the most important
qualities of leadership, then how do we explain people who have those qualities but are not leaders?
This question is one of the quality of being hard in using trait theories to understand leadership.
3. CONTIGENCY THEORIES (1950-1980)
 This type of leadership mainly focusing on particular situation related to the environment that might
explain which particular model of leadership is best suited for the situation and it was suggested
almost 100 years ago by Mark Parker Follet. According to this theory, no effective leadership style is
best in all particular circumstances. Success depends upon a situation , including qualities of the
followers, aspects of the situation and the leadership style

4. SITUATIONAL THEORIES
 Situational theories says that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situations. It also
propose that different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for different levels of decision-
making.
5. BEHAVIOURAL THEORIES; (1940-
1980)
Behavioral theories of leadership are mainly concentrated on the belief that great leaders are made,
not born and what leaders do rather than on their qualities, this leadership theory mainly focuses on
the actions of leaders not on their mental qualities or internal states. According to this theory, people
can able to become good leaders through teaching and observation.

6. PARTICIPATIVE THEORIES;
 Participative leadership theories states that the standard leadership style is one that takes the act of
putting others into account. These leaders encourage the involvement and contributions from team
members and help team members feel more connected and committed to the decision-making process.
In this theories, however, the leader remembers the right to allow the information of others.
7. TRANSACTIONAL THEORIES
 Transactional theories is also called as managemental theories and it almost focus on the
management tasks, uses trade-offs to meet goals ,role of supervision, organization and group
performance. These theories based on a system of achievements and a penalty inflicted.

8. TRANSFORMATIONAL THEORIES
 Transformational theories is also known as Relationship theories. It focus upon the relationship
formed between leaders and followers and it identifies the common values. It motivate and create a
feeling in people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the task. These
leaders are concentrate on the performance of group members, but also want each individual to
achieve the latent qualities that may be developed and lead to future success. Leaders with this style
often have high principles and moral standards.