BUS 2090 Chapter 9: Chapter 9-BUS2090
Document Summary
Leadership is the influence that particular individuals exert on the goal achievement of others in an organizational context. Leadership is about motivating people and gaining their commitment. Strategic leadership is leadership that involves the ability to anticipate, envision, maintain flexibility, think strategically and work with others to initiate changes that will create a viable future for the organization. Theory operates on the basis that leadership depends on the personality qualities of a leader. Traits are individual characteristics such as physical attributes, intellectual ability and personality. Traits included in this approach are: intelligence, energy and drive, self confidence, dominance, motivation, emotional stability, honesty, integrity, need for achievement and sociability. Certain traits are more closely linked to leadership and effectiveness. Corporations use trait based assessments to judge a leader. Consideration is the extent to which a leader is approachable and shows personal concern and respect for employees. Initiating structure is the degree to which the leader concentrates on group goal attainment.