A THEORETICAL APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present relevant contemporary theories of leadership. Using descriptive and comparative-analytical methods, the differences between power and leadership are highlighted, followed by an overview of changes in the approach to leadership as a set of traits, skills, styles, and situations. Attention is drawn to the situational theory of leadership, which identifies four distinct leadership styles. These styles have a very broad application across various levels of diverse types of organizations and for almost all types of tasks. Four theories are singled out as particularly useful for understanding the complexity of the leadership phenomenon. These include Fiedler's contingency theory, the path-goal theory, transformational leadership theory, and Ichak Adizes' theory. It is expected that this paper may be useful to anyone engaged in the topic of leadership and effective organizational management strategies.