Literature Review: Leadership (Essay Sample)

Literature Review: Leadership
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Introduction
Leadership is more of an art than a science. Some scholars believe that leadership is something inborn, while others argue that it can be acquired through constant exposure and practice. Management is one of the most critical real life applications of leadership. For a manager to achieve success, he or she must possess the various qualities that distinguish them as a leader. In the same regard, the success of various projects is highly dependent on the leadership styles applied. The kind of leadership needed in any particular situation varies. One style may be suitable in a particular forum, but very unsuited in another (Stacey, 2013). It is therefore very important for a leader to analyze the situation and exercise flexibility in the execution of his or her duties.
A project needs a good leader to integrate all factors that are involved. In most cases, it is the human beings in the project who are hardest to manage. Every one demands satisfaction of the highest order. A good leader must maintain a feeling of inclusiveness and value among the project members. This ultimately makes the whole process smooth, since harmony is the back bone to the success of a social group. Everyone feels appreciated when their views and grievances are addressed amicably (Stone, 2013). It gives a sense of belonging to an individual, one of the critical psychological factors that an individual must have.
This paper seeks to bring out the concepts of leadership, and why it is critical in any situation. Focus has been placed on the different kinds of leadership styles that can be used in any setting. As an art, leadership requires a personal touch, and scientific approaches have to be applied to keep everyone on the same page. It is a fact that bringing people together is one of the hardest tasks a leader is supposed to perform. However, having a strong grasp of what leadership really is goes a long way in helping one achieve success in the task. Some find the task more challenging than others, depending on personality and acquired skills.
Literature Review
Background Information
Leadership in any project is important for its completion. Human beings are known to be very complex in their own way, which makes any particular social forum a hub of complexity. In this case, people experience different personalities and subscribe to varying points of view. Each individual has internal desires that he would love to fulfill at whatever cost. This leads to a situation where everyone wants to go their own way, without caring much on the feelings of the other. Since the world would be a chaotic place if such a thing happens, it is always good to have some set rules and guidance to arbitrate opinions (Gardiner, 2013).
Civilization dictates that, for everyone to attain reasonable comfort in life there has to be a tradeoff of some of the desires. An individual, as per the teachings of Buddha, is supposed to allow others to enjoy the same advantage he has at the expense of his comfort (Nixon, Harrington & Parker, 2012). This is why, in a group, consensus of views is important to the effect of making everyone feel included in the decision making process. A good leader would help solve any disputes and unite the group towards the achievement of set objectives.
Leadership Styles and Management Techniques
There are many theories that have been put forward to describe the types of styles in leadership, and the application on the same under various conditions. Contingency theories postulate that for a leader to be successful, the kind of leadership he or she offers must be in line with the prevailing conditions. According to the theories, varying situations call for different styles of leadership; for instance, family and work environment. It also depends on the number of people being led, their level of capability and the relationship that exists between them and their leader (Northouse, 2012).
Trait theories identify some of the earliest perceptions on leadership. The theories put forward an argument that there are those innate characteristics of a person, in this case traits that give individual leadership ability. Traditionally, the theory postulated that one is either born with such traits or else they would never be good leaders (Green, 2012). However, the theory has been further developed to include the fact that such traits can be acquired through training, learning and experience. Power theories base their arguments on the source of the power that an individual is exercising. In this case, the manner in which various leaders use their power to influence or get things done is essentially what determines the success of their style of management (Lundy & Morin, 2013).
Primarily, various leadership styles are summarized in the behavioral theories. Kurt Lewin developed a classification of leaders based on the approach they apply to leading others. In most cases, such approaches depend on the perception of the individual leader on what is best. There are three main classifications:
Autocratic leadership: In this case, there are no considerations made on the input of other internal or external factors. The leader makes decisions which are final and must be implemented fully. In some situations, this style may be useful, especially where the general consensus of everyone is not important in the process of executing the decisions (David, Goetsch, & Davis, 2010). It might be helpful in situations where quick decisions have to be made regarding operations. However, the same can be misused when individual leaders make decisions that are not favorable to others, but they stand to reap big from the same.
Democratic leadership: Here, the individual leader undertakes to provide space for the input of every member in the project or team. The extent to which such input may be accepted varies depending on the leader’s judgment. This kind of leadership is mostly applied in situations where the views and opinions of the team members are important in ensuring a smooth run. Sometimes, the process can bring complications where diverse opinions are given and no one is ready to give way to the other (Gardiner, 2013). The situation has to be cautiously managed when it gets here. This is to ensure that each team member ends up satisfied and ready to push the project further.
Laissez-faire leadership: Absolute freedom here is given to all team members to brain storm and come up with appropriate decisions themselves, without the interference of the leader. In a situation where all the team members are on the same level, including the leader, this is an appropriate approach in ensuring everyone’s contribution is felt, and that no one feels intimidated. Still, situations which involve high capabilities of the team members go well with this style of leadership. However, there are situations where the team leader is just being lazy and irresponsible, and this often leads to a complete failure of the project (Chhokar, Brodbeck & House, 2013).
Team Management and Development
To manage a team effectively, one needs to apply all the techniques of leadership fully. In fact, one cannot effectively manage fellow human beings if he or she cannot lead. There are various qualities that can be used to describe a good manager. For instance, the ability to listen carefully and commu