Just as there are many definitions of leadership, there are multiple theories of leadership. Among the more well-known are the following:
Great Man Leadership:
In earliest times it was believed that superior leaders depended upon high birth rates among the more able and rich classes. “High born” individuals with special traits and characteristics bestowed on them at birth were considered to be predestined to become leaders. These individuals included the following: (Adair, 1993).
- Divine leaders who deserved to be worshiped (Jesus Christ)
- Prophetic leaders who were “god inspired” (Mohammed)
- Priestly leaders who were teachers and reformers (Martin Luther)
- Men of letters sent to enlighten others (William Shakespeare)
- Heroic and kingly leaders who were soldiers and won great battles (Alexander the Great)
Situational Leadership:
This theory proposes that time and circumstances dictate who our leaders will be. This includes “being in the right place at the right time.” For example, Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln were seen by others as repeated failures. Today, both are viewed by many to be among the greatest leaders of all time (Thornely, 1993).
Transactional Leadership:
This theory places the leader within the framework of his or her followers. A transactional leader is similar to the leader who possesses reward power. This type of leadership is founded in the promise and expectation: “If you do something....
