16 MARC H 2010

On this day, the main theme for the day was Organizational Leadership. This session emphasized the reason for us for attending the Academy.

The Presenter was Mr. John Moalusi, a very active, educated, knowledgeable person. It was a very interactive session, all the participants participated actively. This presentation made us look back to where we come from, the presentation made us to make self introspection, to check if we are leaders or managers, to check if we are good or bad leaders.

The theories of Leadership were discussed in detail, namely
1.“Great Man” Theories: Great Man theories assume that the capacity for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born not made.
psychology.about.com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories.htm

2. Trait Theories assumes that people inherit certain qualities and traits that make them better suited to leadership.

3. Contingency Theories: focus on particular variables related to the environment that might determine which particular style of leadership is best suited for the situation. According to this theory, no leadership style is best in all situations. Success depends upon a number of variables, including the leadership style, qualities of the followers, and aspects of the situation.

4. Situational Theories Situational theories propose that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situational variable. Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for certain types of decision-making.

5. Behavioral Theories Behavioral theories of leadership are based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born. Rooted in behaviorism, this leadership theory focuses on the actions of leaders, not on mental qualities or internal states.

According to this theory, people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation.
psychology.about.com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories.htm

6. Participative Theories suggest that the ideal leadership style is one that takes the input of others into account. These leaders encourage participation and contributions from group members and help group members feel more relevant and committed to the decision-making process. In participative theories, however, the leader retains the right to allow the input of others.

7. Management Theories focus on the role of supervision, organization, and group performance. These theories base leadership on a system of reward and punishment. Managerial theories are often used in business; when employees are successful, they are rewarded; when they fail, they are reprimanded. psychology.about.com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories.htm

8. Relationship theories (also known as “Transformational theories”) focus upon the connections formed between leaders and followers. These leaders motivate and inspire people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the task. psychology.about.com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories.htm


I discovered during the presentation that I use more of Participative style of Leadership, because if I have to implement some changes in the day to day running of the Library I always consult with my subordinates and management to find out if what I have to introduce will benefit the Library or people will accept and not resist change.

Useful website: psychology.about.com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories.htm
www.leadership-studies.com/documents/mgmt_standards.pdf