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SECTION ONE ABSTRACT
This paper analyzes and explores the principles of leadership. As components of the presentation, the following will be discussed: trait theories, University of Iowa studies, the Ohio State University studies, the University of Michigan studies, the leadership grid theory, contingency leadership theory, situational leadership theory, path-goal leadership theory, transactional leadership theory and the transformational leadership theory. These studies and theories will be analyzed and compared.
SECTION ONE
INTRODUCTION
This paper will research and discuss various leadership theories that have developed over a period of time. The theories discussed are as follows: traits, University of Iowa studies, the Ohio State University studies, the University of Michigan studies, leadership grid, contingency theories, situational leadership, path goal leadership, transactional and transformational leadership theories.
Early research into leadership began in the 1920's and 1930's. This research centered on the premise that leaders were predisposed with certain traits that nonleaders did not have. Research into this area revealed that explaining traits alone was not enough. Situations and interactions between leaders and groups also had influence in leadership theory. The doubt of researchers that traits alone explained leadership led to many other studies.
The University of Iowa studies was one of the early studies that identified leaders as autocratic, democratic or laissez-faire. The study found that the autocratic leader limited participation from the group and dictated all work rules. The democratic leader, on the other hand, allowed input from the group in making decisions. The laissez-faire leader would generally take a "hands-off" approach and group would have the authority to make decisions.
The Ohio State University studies basically separated leadership on two scales: One who initiates structure and one who uses consideration. Those who initiate the structure define the roles in order to reach the goals that are set. A leader using consideration has relationships with the group members and respects and listens to their concerns.
As with the Ohio State study, the University of Michigan study established a two dimensional scale. A leader was either employee oriented or production oriented. An employee oriented leader stresses the relationships with the members of the group. The production oriented leader deemphasizes relationships and is concerned with reaching goals and tasks at hand.
From these early studies, the leadership or...