So far, there is no clear concept of what leadership is.International Social Psychology defines it as a phenomenon of group interaction, manifested in the ability of some individuals to influence the feelings, thoughts and behavior of others in the desired direction, based on informal relationships.In order to explain this phenomenon emerged theories of leadership.There are several approaches to the study of the concept.This is due to the fact that all theories have their drawbacks.
main theories of leadership :
Charismatic
Yet it called the theory of the devil.It has put forward in the US in the 30s E.Bogdarus.The bottom line is that leadership skills are innate nature.The lead may be only a person with a certain set of characteristics.Many authors have tried to select them.For K.Bred in 1940 he compiled a list of 79 traits of the leader.They included: the mind, confidence, willpower, friendliness, enthusiasm, humor and more.However, the lists of other authors they do not occupy a stable position, and the task of isolation qualities and traits leader proved intractable.Besides allocated quality, moreover, they were broad, so more and often contradictory.It was found that, in practice, in the group there are people who in their abilities and intelligence surpass the leader, but they are not.
Situational
replaced the charismatic leadership theories.The leading man becomes as a result of the emergence of various life situations.In a particular case, people who are superior to the others for some quality, if there is the need to exercise them and stand out from the crowd.That is the leader - is the one who is better than others realized their quality.This theory has its flaws.It was found that:
- some people have deep professional knowledge, but are not able to engage in leadership activities;
- objectives in complex situations in different members of the group may be different, and there is a struggle for the purposes of priority;
- in the practice of management, do not look at me the task group is not allowed change of heads.
The situational theory of leadership does not fully take into account the independence of the leader, his ability to influence the situation.
System
leader is a person who organizes a group better than others, to solve a specific task.The man largely has the necessary personal qualities to solve this problem than any other member of the group.From it expects that it will meet the basic requirements: be able to coordinate the activity of the group will ensure its security and give confidence in the success.
Leadership is often seen as a kind of power.In this regard, there was the concept of political leadership, that is permanent, legitimate and priority influence the person holding the domineering position in the group or society.
There are charismatic, situational and systemic theory of political leadership.The rest of the existing theories are the main varieties.So, a kind of charismatic approach is a psychological concept, which is representative of Freud.
gist of it is this: at the origin of the phenomenon is suppressed libido.As a result, the process of sublimation, it manifests itself as a desire for power.In an effort to get rid of the complex personality of imposing their will on others and become a leader.
Classification political leaders
M.Dzh.Hermann contributed 4 form leaders: the minister, the standard-bearer, trader and fire.The minister represents the interests of followers, based its activities on their opinion, the standard-bearer based on his own vision of reality, which is able to captivate the masses.The trader is able to properly present his program to voters, and fire - quickly find solutions to problems.
