Leaders direct and guide followers in the organization, recognizing both roles as critical to the success of the organization. There is a positive relationship between leaders and followers in organizations, and a distinct difference between leadership and management. Leaders may be autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire in their approach. This chapter divides leadership theories into four schemes correlating to universal trait theories, universal behavioral theories, contingency theories, and contemporary theories of leadership. Several theories are examined, and the relationship between leaders and followers is discussed.
Define leadership and followership.
Discuss the differences between leadership and management and between leaders and managers.
Evaluate the effectiveness of autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire leadership styles.
Explain initiating structure and consideration, leader behaviors, and the Leadership Grid.
Evaluate the usefulness of Fiedler's contingency theory of leadership.
Compare and contrast the path-goal theory, the Vroom-Yetton-Jago theory, the Situational Leadership® model, leader-member exchange, and the Substitutes for Leadership model.
Distinguish among transformational, charismatic, and authentic leaders.
Discuss the characteristics of effective and dynamic followers.