Learning, Managing and Developing People, Leadership Theories Assignment

Learning, Managing and Developing People, Leadership Theories - Assignment Example Style leadership theories focus on how leaders behave. Two dimensions of leadership include consideration (employee centered) and initiating structure (production centered). A balance of both dimensions is the most appropriate. Leadership should have regard for the characteristics of the leader, organization and workgroup. Steven’s leadership is production centered. He is not concerned with the needs of the employees but only focuses on getting the task done. He is not willing to power share and makes decisions and announces them. He barks orders at the employees and expects them to achieve unreachable targets and reprimands them for not doing things fast enough. On the other hand, Robert involves his team members in making decisions and allocates specific tasks to each individual. He is concerned about the needs of the employees and consults them in decision making. Situational and contingency leadership theories suggest that the most effective leadership style changes depending on the situation. This approach is based on leadership dimensions of the directive and supportive behaviors. Directive behaviors assist the team members to achieve their goals by focusing on the tasks that need to be accomplished and how they should be done. Supportive behaviors assist the members of the team to be comfortable with the situation, themselves and their colleagues. These two behaviors can either be supporting, directing, coaching or delegating. Transformational leadership involves a leader that is visionary, inspiring and one who leads by example. This leadership focuses on the moral and ethical values of the followers. Transactional leadership is based on legitimate authority and focuses on the self-interest of the followers. To ensure the success of Smith’s Bothy and Hotel, the leaders should adopt the situational and contingency theory of leadership. The leadership style should change depending on the  situation.