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Abstract
Webster’s dictionary (2005) defines leadership as the position or guidance of a leader. According to Northouse (2007), “Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” It is apparent that the definition of leadership can be conceptualized differently depending on the individual and/or organization. Researchers have conducted intensive studies to support theories but it is clear that leadership cannot be defined with a single definition. One common component is that leadership is a process in which two parties, leader and follower, are to achieve the same goal. The two conceptual approaches to leadership are the Trait Approach and the Skills Approach. In addition to published research, real life experiences are cited. Leadership is clearly objective in nature for both leaders and managers.
Leadership Conceptualized
Within the last century leadership has been studied to determine how it can be conceptualized. The subjectivity of leadership makes it difficult to assign one meaning to it. The common components of leadership regardless of how it has been researched and/or approached is that it is a process, involves influence, occurs in a group, and involves striving for a common goal. Throughout the first 3 chapters it compares different concepts of leadership.
The first comparison noted is the trait vs. process leadership ideology. In the Figure 1.1, (Northouse, 2007, p5) it compares trait leadership and process leadership. Trait leadership are characteristics that an individual are born with. Bryman (1992) lists some of the personal qualities used to identify leaders include physical factors (e.g. height), personality features and the ability (e.g. speech fluency). Process leadership is a skill that can be learned with training and development. Trait leadership and process leadership can be intertwined. There are individuals with the innate...
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