Definition of Leadership

Definition of Leadership

Leadership has been defined in different ways by different sets of scholars. In very simple terms leadership can be defined as the skill of a person to influence an individual or a group for achievement of a goal in a given situation. One can use different dimensions and perspectives to define leadership. Through the evolution of leadership thought, leadership has been defined in various ways discussed here.

“A leader is one who has followers”; is a too simple a definition and this description does not clearly define what other attributes are associated with leadership. One can use different dimensions and perspectives to define leadership. Through the evolution of leadership thought, leadership has been defined in various ways with following perspectives:

  • Group Processes
  • Personality Perspective
  • Behavioral Traits
  • Power Relationships
  • Process perspective
  • Skills perspective

Definitions of Leadership

According to MacIver and Page Leadership is the capacity to persuade or to direct man that comes from personal qualities apart from office. It indicates the difference between leadership and office. An individual does not become a leader only by occupying an office which carries responsibility. It is a matter of secondary importance that his important office is of assistance to him in his endeavor to become a leader.

According to Philip A. Woods (2005) leadership is not just a set of free-standing actions i.e., it is not a linear process flowing from leader to the follower but it is a collective entity which comprises of the impetus and direction that emerges from the group which is more than the sum of its parts (the individuals) who make up a group or organization. .

Warren Bennis’ definition of leadership is focused much more on the individual capability of the leader. He defined leadership as a function of knowing oneself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize one’s own leadership potential.

Leadership can also be called the catalyst that transforms potential into reality. The concept of leadership in itself covers all interpersonal relationships that influence the working of' the organization towards achieving its business objectives and growth.

Leadership is the art of influencing others to direct their will, abilities and efforts to the achievement of leader’s goals. In the context of organizations, leadership lies in influencing individual and group effort toward the optimum achievement of organizational objectives.

Keith Davis observes that, “without leadership, an organization is but a muddle of men and machines…Leadership transforms potential into reality. It is the ultimate act which brings to success all the potential that is in an organization and its people”.

Leadership is often defined as the art of influencing others (people) to strive willingly; to do what the leader wants them to do (often to do the mutually compatible objectives) with zeal and confidence.

According to Dayal (1999) leadership is development of people, not the task. A leader creates conditions for the development of individuality and enhancement of inherent capability of individuals.

The leader is the inspiration and director of the action. He is the person in the group that possesses the combination of personality and leadership skills that makes others want to follow his direction.

Leadership focuses on “people” aspect of management and is based on the assumption that organizational effectiveness significantly depends on their motivation, effort and abilities.

According to Pigors, “Leadership is a process of control in which by the assumption of superiority a person or group regulates the activities of others for purposes of his own choosing.”

In 1938, Chester Bernard gave a new definition of leadership and stated that, “leadership is the ability of a superior to influence the behaviour of subordinates and persuade them to follow a particular course of action”.

A recent theorist on leadership, Williams (2005), states that, “leadership is an interactive art in which the leader is dancing with the context, the problem, the faction, and the objective”.

It is encouraging and inspiring individuals and teams to give their best to achieve a desired result.

Leadership is an attribute of the person who is an ideal for the other members of the group.

Leadership is the behavior that affects the behavior of other people, more than their behavior affects that of the leader.

Leaders work with and through people to accomplish goals.

In the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell sums up his definition of leadership as “leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less.”

Anyone who acts as a model to others is often called a “leader”.

Leader leads, suggests, orders, and also guides. Other people follow him. We can say that leadership and domination are not the same meaning.

Peter Drucker defined a leader as someone who has followers.

What is the best definition of leadership?

It is difficult to qualitatively define leadership. Leadership involves various dimensions and attributes. A simple definition of leadership is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. It is a psychological process of providing guidance for followers. To lead is to guide, conduct, direct, and proceed.

Related Links

Creation Date Sunday, 30 August 2020 Hits 7583

You May Also Like

  • Behavioral Approach to Management

    Behavioral Approach to Management

    The behavioral management theory had a profound influence on management by focusing on understanding the human dimensions of work. It is also called human relations movement as behavioral theorists focused on managing productivity by understanding factors of worker motivation like their needs and expectations, personality, attitudes, values, group behavior, conflict, and group dynamics. It advocated the use of psychological techniques to motivate employees.

  • Investment Theory of Creativity

    Investment Theory of Creativity

    Sternberg in the year 2006, proposed the investment and confluence theory focused on understanding creativity. According to the investment theory, creativity requires a confluence of six distinct but interrelated resources known as intellectual abilities, knowledge, styles of thinking, personality, motivation, and environment. It emphasizes that creativity is not about one thing, but about a system of things.

  • Team Foundation in Forming Stage

    Team Foundation in Forming Stage

    This is the first stage of team development. This is the stage when the foundation of the team is laid. During the Forming stage, team members have a high dependence on their leader for guidance. Learn the practical strategies you can use during this stage to help your team develop into a highly effective performing team.

  • Value – Key Driver of Change

    Value – Key Driver of Change

    Productivity is defined not in terms of the number of goods produced, but in terms of value-added per employee. Customers don’t really buy goods and services but in fact, they buy a value - something they value. The future is all about tangible products fulfilling intangible needs. Ideas like this can transform a business and provide them a competitive advantage to thrive in the future.

  • McClelland's Theory of Needs

    McClelland's Theory of Needs

    McClelland's Theory of Needs is a human motivation theory which states that an individual's specific needs are acquired over time through our culture and life experiences. As per the three needs theory, these acquired needs significantly influence the behavior of an individual. The three main driving motivators are the needs for achievement, affiliation, and power.

  • Factors of Leadership

    Factors of Leadership

    There are four major factors in leadership called Leader, Follower, Communication, and Situation. The success of the leader is dependent on how the leader is effectively able to communicate and motivate followers to perform desired tasks using the appropriate leadership style best suited for the given situation. Interdependencies and dynamics of these four factors of leadership must be considered by a leader to be effective.

  • Team Leadership Theory

    Team Leadership Theory

    Team leadership theory is a recent leadership theory that does not discriminate between the leader and the other team members. The approach considers contributions from each team member to be critical for organizational success. This approach focused on the overall team effectiveness and team problems are diagnosed and action is taken to remediate weakness. This approach provides for taking corrective action when the leader deems necessary.

  • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

    Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

    Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory that explains that people are motivated by five basic categories of human needs. These needs are physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. There is a little scientific basis for this concept of a hierarchy of needs.

  • Process & Stages of Creativity

    Process & Stages of Creativity

    Creative ideas do not come just like that. There is a process to it. There are a number of techniques of creativity to support the generation of ideas but the widely practiced ones are brainstorming and lateral thinking. Most innovations are not so much the product of sudden insights as they are the result of a conscious process that often goes through multiple stages. The creative process can be divided into four stages of preparation, incubation, evaluation, and implementation.

  • Administrative Theory by Fayol

    Administrative Theory by Fayol

    The administrative theory of management is focused on principles that could be used by managers to coordinate the internal activities of organizations. The most prominent of the administrative theorists was Henri Fayol. Fayol observed a work stoppage and judged it to be a management failure. He believed that organizational managerial practices are important for driving predictability and efficiency in organizations.

Explore Our Free Training Articles or
Sign Up to Start With Our eLearning Courses

Subscribe to Our Newsletter


© 2023 TechnoFunc, All Rights Reserved