Leader Evolution [Theoretical Movements]
By Dr. Mark McCaslin
A blog series exploring evolving leadership practices
The Theoretical Movements of Leadership Studies
The confusion Burns highlights arises partially from an unclear distinction between two related but distinctly different terms: leader and leadership. This lack of clarity has contributed to a chaotic academic landscape where their meanings have become intertwined in ways that can be misleading. Additionally, leadership can be assessed through various lenses, and our perspectives and personal experiences heavily influence our beliefs on the subject.聽
Given the complexity of human interactions, which often defy simple explanations, attempts to neatly categorize leadership have led to misunderstandings in our comprehension of it. As a result, leadership can sometimes be interpreted in a wide variety of ways, with the definition of a leader becoming equally flexible. Joseph Rost points out the challenge by stating, "It is permissible for leadership scholars not to know what leadership is." To enhance our understanding, it is essential to clearly differentiate between leader and leadership, helping us navigate the complexities of these concepts more effectively.
Leadership can be viewed both as an art and a science, depending on individual perspectives, and it encompasses a diverse range of concepts, theories, and sociological movements. The evolution of leadership studies has equipped today鈥檚 learners with a wealth of insights and experiences regarding the essence of leadership. We have garnered a deeper understanding of what constitutes effective leadership and the attributes of successful leaders, building upon the knowledge shared by previous generations. By meticulously examining this historical trail, we can uncover valuable lessons and reflections that continue to inform our understanding of leadership today.
The Parable of the Blind Men
The parable of the blind men describing an elephant comes to mind when reading and studying the history of leadership.聽 My own view is that a more holistic explanation may be available if we can acknowledge our positions and biases.聽 Leadership is a human concept; therefore, it is susceptible to human emotions.聽 This discussion will begin with a brief overview of the seven basic theoretical movements, not to categorize them but to gain an understanding of the nature of leadership.聽 Perhaps, being optimistic, even blind men can describe an elephant if they recognize that their contributions only aid in piecing together an explanation.
The following Table presents a brief outline of the major theoretical movements found within leadership studies. As a reminder, this series is taking an integral perspective. Ultimately, this series will discuss the blending of what was learned, what worked well, and what failed to work.
Table 1.
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Great Man Theory: Great men shape the world. The theory simply stated that great men (and some women) were born into leadership and that it is a quality that is heritable.
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Group Theory: This theoretical movement states that all individuals contribute to the leadership process. It was a very democratic and egalitarian theory. The group leader or facilitator was seen as the key to effectiveness.
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Trait Theory: This theory stated that leaders have certain traits that, if understood, could be taught, or, through conditioning, developed. The trait theory fragmented the nature of leadership to the point that it became vague and incomprehensible.
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Behavioral Theory: Much of the work was aimed at providing tools and explanations of behaviors of leaders and potential leaders The movement away from the behavioral aspects was the result of no clear view of leader behavior. As Rost (1991) explained, "There seemed to be no best way for leaders to behave when leading" (p. 22).
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Situation Contingency Theory: Situational/Contingency Theory Springing from the behaviorist, the contingency/situational theories produced complex models that would predict how leaders would react given a certain situation. The main focus and motivation of theories of this bent appear to be towards the production of products by the most efficient means possible.
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Excellence Theory: Leadership in this theory states that it is simply doing the right thing to achieve excellence. Its popularity in press at the time may well have been the desire of people seeking excellence in themselves and others. Its providers offered an endless
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Servant Leadership: Servant leadership revealed the first concerted effort to overcome the deficiency need domain by addressing the typical reaction to the four heavies of manipulation, deception, intimidation, and coercion. Recognizing leadership as a higher-order value, this theory sought ways to elevate the common man to higher levels of moral expectations through the element of service.
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Transformational Theory: This theory states that leadership is a transformational process of leaders and followers that raises each to higher levels of motivation and morality. Leadership is thought of as a relationship.
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Integral Leadership
Integral Leadership covers a wide range of topics and has a unique role in leadership studies. It connects strong leadership theories with effective leadership practices. This approach works at the crossroads of different disciplines, helping to uncover ways to foster change and growth within and among various groups. This series aims to take a transdisciplinary approach, which allows us to explore and enhance individual potential within these groups.
With this goal in mind, we will work together to apply our insights to real-world challenges. In this text, I will guide you through the rich possibilities at this intersection of theory and practice. We will examine what the boundaries are along this path, which we have not fully defined yet. Perhaps we will learn more about these boundaries together.
Integral Leadership is, again, unique among other forms and functions of leadership found within the wide domain of leadership studies. In many ways, integral leadership attempts to form a container in which all other forms of leading and leadership theories might coexist. Integral Leadership positions itself at the intersections of potential and therefore seeks the ability to use multiple approaches, multiple lenses, and to fashion the theoretical aims of leadership studies towards the achievement of the opportunities made possible along the upward way of these multiple considerations.
On Joseph Rost
Joseph Rost, author of Leadership for the 21st Century, once stated that the nature of leadership studies will itself be transformed. What we might consider as the pivotal purpose of Integral Leadership is that it serves as a transformative force within the field. By connecting and constructing among the relational aspects of theory and practice, Integral Leadership works towards a transformative world of potential and possibilities.聽
Next
The next Blog in this series will begin to dissect each of the major theoretical movements in leadership studies from an integral perspective. Part 3 will focus on the Great Man, Group, and Trait theoretical movements from an integral perspective.聽
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Mark McCaslin
Dr. Mark McCaslin is an academic leader with a rich history of teaching, educational programming, and administration. His personal and professional interests flow around the development of philosophies, principles, and practices dedicated to the full actualization of human potential. The focus of his research has centered upon healthy organizational leadership and educational approaches that foster a more holistic approach towards the actualization of that potential. At the apex of his current teaching, writing, and research is the emergence of healthy leadership and the potentiating arts.