Publication Date

Spring 4-28-2017

Document Type

Capstone project: USD users only

Degree Name

MA Leadership Studies

Department

Leadership Studies

Abstract

Leadership is the ability to direct, manage and guide a group of people through inspiration and motivation towards the leader’s vision or that of an organization. It involves making decisions or influencing decision-making and implementation on behalf of one’s followers in a social setting or an organization (Northouse, 2012). Many arguments have been put forward to explain leadership. This has led to the development of leadership theories that try to explain the different kinds of leadership that exist in the world today. Among the theories of leadership include; Lewin’s leadership styles which include autocratic leadership, democratic leadership, and the laissez-faire leadership styles (Chemers, 2014). Also, arguments on what makes a person a leader have been rampant in leadership research circles and debate on whether leaders are born or bred has ranged on for a long time. The trait theory is an example of a theory that has fronted answers on whether leaders are born or trained to become leaders. Another leadership theory such as great man theory argues out that leaders are born and not made (Borgatta, Bales, & Couch, 1954). In this paper, arguments and counter arguments on leadership styles, practice, pros, and cons, and analysis will be looked at in depth. The paper will seek to discuss the existing literature, concerns and scope for future research on leadership studies in sociology. Also, through the paper, the author will seek to establish how a change in leadership styles across two countries can affect an international student.

Download
Off-campus Download

Share

COinS