Primary theories of leadership and examples - Research Paper Example

A probe into the lives of Jacqueline Kennedy, Martha Stewart, Opera Winfrey, Hillary Rodham Clinton and George Bush show that these leaders revealed traits of charismatic, authoritarian, inspirational, transformational, and situational leadership styles respectively. Primary theories of leadership and examples Leadership theories are based on how leaders lead their followers. Some of the primary theories of leadership styles are charismatic, authoritarian, inspirational, transformational, and situational.

The basic characteristics that differentiate each of these leadership styles are: the nature of the relationship between the leader and followers; the personality of the leader; the vision and nature of the leader’s interaction with the followers or employees; the nature of the rewards, positive reinforcements and tasks administered; and, the achievement of the goals or tasks. This paper analyses the major characteristics of charismatic, authoritarian, inspirational, transformational, and situational leadership styles with special reference to such leaders as Jacqueline Kennedy, Martha Stewart, Opera Winfrey, Hillary Rodham Clinton and George Bush. . Charismatic leaders also have the ability for taking personal risks and exhibiting non-traditional behavior.

According to Burke and Cooper (2004, p. 86), charismatic leaders arouse enthusiasm and commitment among their followers by articulating a compelling vision, increasing follower confidence about achieving it, and linking the task or mission to the values, ideals, and self-concept of the followers. Both John F Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy had charismatic personalities that could attract the American society. Jacqueline’s charisma helped Kennedy not only during his presidential campaign but also in his political life in the White house.

Her demeanor and influencing charismatic style saw her as the most warmly received public figure during official trips abroad. It was her charismatic leadership style that immortalized the Kennedy Library Foundation after her husband was assassinated. Authoritarian leadership and Martha Stewart In authoritarian leadership style the leader acts like an autocrat, allowing little or no participation from his team members or followers. Even though the leadership style is not popular today it has been identified as quite effective during emergencies when quick decisions are to be taken.

As pointed out by Cherry (2012, para. 1) authoritarian leadership style is “characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members.” As such these leaders do not involve their followers in the decision making process. The success of Martha Stewart, the celebrated American business magnate and author, is strongly rooted in her authoritarian leadership style. She started with a small catering business