Discussion #3 – Does Leadership Really Matter?
After reading about the theories of leadership, (Week six)
there is the implicit assumption that leadership really does matter, that it is
important. Most people believe that leaders make a difference and that positive
effects are produced by leaders. Frequently heard comments include:
The company was completely turned around for the better by
the new CEO.
The losing season was the fault of the coach.
</>One argument states that most organizations impose
such strong constraints on leaders that it is unlikely that they will actually
affect the behavior of the organization and the outcomes produced by that
organization. In other words — leaders are mere figureheads and their function
is relatively meaningless.
Another view romanticizes leadership and leaders. Leaders
are blown up into heroic proportions. This idealization of leaders infects the
minds of most people and helps strengthen followership. (Pierce & Newstrom,
2006, p. 457-8)
There are research studies that support both theories –that
leadership is not important and that leadership is very important.
What do you think?
What situations need strong leadership?
What situations do not need much leadership – in other words
in what situations are people likely to work diligently at their job without a
lot of hands on leadership or managing?
What style of leadership do you think is the most effective
(and why) – that is – it has the possibility of motivating the employees to
really produce? (Be specific and make sure that you have read the text books
and the lecture on leadership before you answer this. I expect you to identify
at least one of the leadership styles or even several. (If you have read the
lecture you will be aware that the basic styles of democratic, autocratic and
laissez-faire are NOT appropriate choices. These are way too broad.)
Provide an example from your work experience to illustrate
your point.
After dealing with the information in Session Six (next
week’s lesson) identify a leader who almost everyone in the class would
recognize, and discuss what seems or seemed to be that leader’s leadership
style. Provide an example of the leader’s behavior that supports your
application of theory.
This discussion is asking for your opinion — however,
please support your opinion with some evidence — for example — situations
from your own experience would be good, or examples from your observation of
situations where organizations/companies/institutions have had to deal with
this issue would qualify.
This is not a discussion where adding an outside source is
necessary – I am looking for your opinion from your own experience. If you
would like to use a source to make a point please do feel free – but this is a
more casual discussion.
Reference – Pierce, J. L. & Newstrom, J. (2006). Leaders
and the leadership process: Readings, self assessments and applications. (4th
ed.). New York: Irwin Publishing.
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Discussion (do not upload a file) Remember – when you interact with each other
– PLEASE keep in mind the Rules of Netiquet. Be considerate and polite.
