Accounting technicians scheme west africa
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- 294 SECTION B LEADERSHIP Section contents
- Learning Objectives
| Review Questions Multiple Choice Questions 1. The elements of the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs include the following EXCEPT a) Safety needs b) Self-esteemed needs c) Self-actualisation needs d) Clinical needs e) Physiological needs 294 SECTION B LEADERSHIP Section contents (a) Learning objectives b) Definition of Leadership c) Functions of a Leader d) Leadership styles e) Qualities of an effective leader f) Review questions Learning Objectives After studying this section, the reader should be able to • Define leadership • Explain the ingredients of leadership • Explain the functions of a leader • Explain the leadership styles • Explain the qualities of an effective leader • State and explain leadership theories/approaches to leadership B.1 Definition of Leadership There is an increasing realisation that leadership can determine a firm’s long-term performance prospects. This section examines what makes a person an effective leader and how managers can make a difference and bring about improved performance and effective change in organisations. There area variety of approaches to leadership. Sometimes they lead to success and sometimes to failure. Leaders can employ different styles and still be successful. Furthermore, a leadership approach that is successful in one situation may not succeed in other situations. Following Kootnz and Weihrich (1990) we would define leadership as the art or process of influencing people so that they will strive willingly and enthusiastically toward the achievement of group goals. Leadership is a dynamic process at work in a group whereby one individual over a particular period of time, and in a particular organizational context, influences the other group members to commit themselves freely to the achievement of group tasks or goals. This working definition encompasses several important features of leadership 1. Leadership is a dynamic process, influenced by the changing requirements of the task, the group itself and the individual members. 2. Leadership is not necessarily confined to one person, but maybe shared between members. 3. The leader's principal role is to influence the group towards the achievement of group goals. 4. Leadership is exercised in, and influenced by, the particular set of circumstances which 295 form the organizational context. Leadership in organization is the ability of management to induce subordinates to work towards group goals with confidence and enthusiasm in a given situation. This means that leadership is a function of the characteristics of the leader, the followers and the situation. This can be represented in a model as follows L = f(l,f,s) Where, L = Leadership l = leader’s character f = followers s = situation Download 3.37 Mb. Share with your friends:
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