Contingency Theory - Charisma Theory - Social Identity Theory

Question: Critically evaluate the theories of leader and critically analyse the statement that leaders are born or made (personality vs situation) Continguency theory, Carisma theory and social identity theory. Answer: Contingency Theory Contingency theory was developed by Fred Edward Fiedler in 1964 also known as situational approach of theory. This theory studies about the personality of leader and the situation in which he operates. They studied variety of leaders and there are research findings on this model. He outlines that there are two style of leadership one is relationship motivated and another is task motivated. Relationship motivated is related to the interpersonal relationships and take motivated is related to job done. He uses least preferred co-worker scale to measure leadership style. Those who ranks high are relationship oriented and those who score less are task oriented. He also believed that leader member relations, task structure and the position powers describe the favorableness in organization for various situations (Scott, 2010). Charisma Theory Max weber developed charismatic theory and according to him charismatic leadership refers to "resting on devotion to the exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual person, and of the normative patterns or order revealed or ordained by him." A charismatic leader gains the followers through his charm rather than power and authority. They pay attention to the environment, moods and concerns of the individual and group and accordingly take the action and say their words (Kendall, Jane, Rick, 2000).They uses different methods for creating their image; they practice skills and take personal risks. They display lot of confidence in their followers and have excellent body language and verbal skills. Social Identity Theory Social identity theory is developed by Henri Tajfel. It talks about the identity of the person in a group. There may be different kinds of groups like family group, social group, and football group etc. which are related to the self-esteemed pride of the group member. For the purpose to increase the self-image people enhances their status in group. We have divided the world into them (OUT GROUP) and us (IN GROUP) through social categorization. So to enhance owns self-image there is discrimination between the groups. This theory explains the prejudice attitudes within in- groups and out-groups and in the same way we categorize the people. There is a different perception for the other group and we are same as in our group and more similar than the other group (Turner, Reynolds, 2010). Leaders are Born or Made There are many different views on the statement that Leaders are born or made. It is believed that there are certain people who are born leaders because of the reference to historical background and there are others who find themselves in the management role where the leadership skills are important and they learn the same over a period of time through experience. As per the behavioral theories leaders are made not born. Leadership requires observation, learning, and teaching. It is a kind of skill that is developed by practice and experience with time. One of the most important factors to be a successful leader is to resolve the complex situation and bring together the best idea forward with the team members (Howell, 2012). References Scott, W.R. (2010).Organizations: Rational, Natural, and Open Systems. Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice Hall Inc. Kendall, Diana, Jane Lothian Murray, and Rick Linden.Sociology in our time(2nd ed.), 2000. Scarborough, On: Nelson, 438-439. Howell, Jon P. (2012).Snapshots of Great Leadership. London, GBR: Taylor and Francis. pp.1617. Turner, J. C. Reynolds, K. J. (2010). The story of social identity. In T. Postmes N. Branscombe (Eds). Rediscovering Social Identity: Core Sources. Psychology Press.