4.2.1—Leadership theories

4.2.1 Traditional and modern theories of leadership.

• universalist theories including great person, charismatic, and transformational leaders.
• behavioural theories including Ohio University and Michigan University behavioural explanations.
• Heifetz's six principles in meeting adaptive challenges; responsibilities of an adaptive leader.
• Relevant issues and debates and methodology for this topic include: application to everyday life, individual and situational explanations, nature versus nurture, reductionism versus holism, generalisations.

This matters because —leadership theories determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply —leadership theories to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: —Leadership theories is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.