Leadership Theories and Models

There are several theories of leadership. Most of these theories have been developped in America. Most of the studies have been conducted considering the managers holding leadership positions as leaders, though there is a difference between management and leadership.

Leadership theories can be classified according to following headings:

1. Breath of Application Categorization (To which range of situations is the leadership applied)
1) Universal Approach
a. Trait Theory
b. Style Theory

2)Situation Specific Approach
a.Fiedler's Contingency theory
b.House's Path Gaol Theory
c. Vroom-Yetton-Jargo Theory
d. Contingency Theory of Hersey and Blanchard

2. Level of Focus Categorization (What does the thoery focus on?)

1)Person -Centred Theories
a.Trait Theories
b.Fiedler's Contingency Theory

2)Behaviour-Centred Theories
a.Style Theory
b.House's Path Goal Theory
c.Vroom-Yetton-Jago Theory