The Major Leadership Theories

What is it that makes some people better in leadership roles? Leadership theories attempt to explain how and why some people become leaders. Such theories often focus on the characteristics of leaders, but some attempt to identify efforts that people can adopt to improve their leadership skills in different situations.

Early discussions of leadership psychology often suggested that such skills were simply abilities that people were born with. In other words, these theories suggested that some people were simply “born leaders.” Some more recent theories suggest that certain traits may help people become natural leaders, but that experience and situational variables also play an important role.

Take a closer look at leadership theories

As interest in the psychology of leadership has grown over the past 100 years, a number of leadership theories have been introduced to explain how and why some people become great leaders.

What exactly makes a great leader? Do certain personality traits make people better suited for leadership roles, or do situational characteristics make it more likely that certain people will take charge? When we look at the leaders around us – whether it’s our employer or the president – ​​we may find ourselves wondering why these individuals are best suited for such positions.

People have long been interested in leadership throughout human history, but many formal theories of leadership have only recently emerged. Interest in leadership increased during the early part of the twentieth century.

Early leadership theories focused on what characteristics distinguish them from followers, while later theories looked at other variables such as situational factors and skill level. Although many different leadership theories have emerged, most can be classified into one of eight broad types.

“Great Man” Theories

Have you ever heard someone described as “born to lead”? According to this theory, great leaders are born with the internal qualities necessary to become natural-born leaders, such as charisma, confidence, intelligence, and social skills.

Great man theories assume that leadership ability is innate—that great leaders are born, not made. These ideals often make great leaders heroic, legendary and destined to rise to leadership when needed. The term “great man” was used because, at the time, leadership was primarily thought of as a male quality, especially in terms of military leadership.

Such theories suggest that people cannot really learn how to become strong leaders. Leadership is something you are either born with or not. This is very much a nature (as opposed to nurture) approach to explaining leadership.

Theories of Trait

In some ways similar to great man theories, trait theories assume that people inherit certain characteristics and traits that make them better suited for leadership. Trait theories often identify certain personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders. For example, traits like extroversion, self-confidence, and courage are all traits that can potentially be associated with great leaders.

If certain traits are the key characteristics of leadership, then how do we explain those who possess these characteristics but are not leaders? This question poses a difficulty in using trait theories to explain leadership.

Many people possess the personality traits associated with leadership, yet many of them never seek leadership positions. There are also people who lack some of the key traits often associated with effective leadership but are still successful in important groups.

Contingency theories

Contingency theories of leadership focus on specific environmental variables that may determine which particular style of leadership is best suited to the situation. According to this theory, no leadership style is best in all situations.

Leadership researchers White and Hudson suggest that truly effective leadership is not just about the characteristics of the leader. It’s about striking the right balance between behavior, needs and context.

Good leaders are able to assess the needs of their followers, assess the situation and then adjust their behavior accordingly. Success depends on a number of variables including leadership style, follower characteristics and situational aspects.

Situational theories

Situation theories suggest that leaders choose the best course of action based on situational variables. Different leadership styles may be more appropriate for different types of decision making.

For example, in a situation where the leader is the most knowledgeable and experienced member of a group, an authoritarian style may be most appropriate. In other cases where group members are skilled experts, a democratic approach will be more effective.

Behavioral theories

Behavioral theories of leadership are based on the belief that great leaders are made, not born. Consider this the flip side of the great man’s ideals. Bounded in behaviorism, this leadership theory focuses on the actions of leaders, not on their mental characteristics or internal states. According to this theory, people can learn to be leaders through teaching and observation.

Shared ideas

Participatory leadership theories suggest that the ideal leadership style is one that takes into account the input of others. These leaders encourage the participation and contribution of group members and help group members feel more involved and committed to the decision-making process. However, in participative theories, the leader retains the right to allow input from others.

Management theories

Managerial theories, also known as transactional theories, focus on the role of supervision, organization, and group performance. These theories are based on a system of rewards and punishments. Management theories are often used in business. When employees succeed, they are rewarded and when they fail, they are reprimanded or punished.

Relationship theories

Relationship theories, also known as transformational theories, focus on the connections between leaders and followers. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the work.

These leaders are focused on the performance of group members, but also want everyone to fulfill their potential. Leaders with this style often have moral and ethical standards.

What kind of leader are you?

Try our quick and free quiz to find out about your typical leadership style.

This leadership style quiz was reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS.