GOVN 400 Lecture 1: govnUnit 1
Unit 1
o authority, influence, and control
o contingency theories of leadership
Contingency theories in general focus on the spectrum of task and relationship
and the skills and competencies of the leaders (managers) and their followers.
This approach is based on the premise that different types of people are suited for
leadership in different circumstances. For example, an environment of challenge
and change may call for a leader who is primarily oriented to defining the job and
getting it done. A more stable environment may be better suited to a leader who
focuses on building relationships with followers. As McGill and Slocum put it,
critics of this approach promoted procedures over purpose; they argue that there
was a “need for a leadership that would be unifying and encouraging from the
heart rather than merely utilitarian”
o DWYSYWD (Do What You Say You Will Do)
o The First Principle of Leadership is to simply Do What You Say You Will Do. Leadership
accountability requires a level of ownership that involves making, keeping, and answering for
personal commitments. Simply put, when you hold yourself accountable, those around
you know you can be counted on to complete your responsibilities or follow through on your
promises. When you do what you say you will do you build credibility.
o principles of values-based leadership
Motivating employees by connecting organisational goals to employees’ personal
values.
Values-based leaders communicate organisational values that tell members how
to behave in order to fulfil the organisation’s mission. They talk about these
values in a way that connects with employees’ personal values, so that
employees come to identify strongly with both the organisation and its mission.
Such leaders focus on core values - the enduring guiding principles that capture
the organisation’s strengths and character. Because the core values represent
the soul of the organisation, they are likely to remain steadfast in the face of
changing market trends and fads.
In order for employees to believe in the sincerity and depth of the organisation’s
values, the leadership team must lead by example and communicate the values
Document Summary
Unit 1: authority, influence, and control, contingency theories of leadership. Contingency theories in general focus on the spectrum of task and relationship and the skills and competencies of the leaders (managers) and their followers. This approach is based on the premise that different types of people are suited for leadership in different circumstances. For example, an environment of challenge and change may call for a leader who is primarily oriented to defining the job and getting it done. A more stable environment may be better suited to a leader who focuses on building relationships with followers. Leadership accountability requires a level of ownership that involves making, keeping, and answering for personal commitments. Simply put, when you hold yourself accountable, those around you know you can be counted on to complete your responsibilities or follow through on your promises. When you do what you say you will do you build credibility: principles of values-based leadership.
