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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page paper which examines three major leadership theories, including Ralph M. Stogdill’s “Great Man” Theory and Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: TG15_TGleader.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
contemplated the issue over 2,000 years ago. In his article, "Leadership, Membership, and Organization," Ralph M. Stogdill defined leadership as, "the process of influencing the activities of an organized
group toward goal setting and goal achievement" (4). The major stumbling when considering leadership has always been, "How does one exert such persuasive influence over a person or group?"
According to Stogdill, it takes a great man to be a successful leader, and very few people adequately satisfy the criteria. Stogdill was the proponent of the "Great
Man" (or Trait) theory, which suggested that powerful leaders are born to this pre-eminence. Such leadership is in-bred, and this leader must be energetic, possess an innate sense of
responsibility, task-oriented, dogged determination, self-confidence, excellent stress management, a powerfully influential personality, and the willingness to take risks if necessary (Beare et al. 103). Clearly, Stogdills "Great Man" theory was
more style than substance oriented. He asserted (but then rather coyly acknowledged that he was not completely certain) that a natural leader invariably emerged from the group because he
seemed to be a bit taller, more intelligent and more socially persuasive than the others (Fagerfjall 22). It also doesnt hurt if he has a well-chiseled, athletic physique (Mueller
and Mazur 823). Obviously, Stogdills "Great Man" theory was the foundation of what has become known as the charismatic leadership theory, a belief that a person leads best through
mesmerizing rhetoric, strong and attractive physical presence (Fagerfjall 22). Such leadership abilities are found within the personality of the leader, and his powers to influence people to follow his
lead. He is able to convince a group that following his lead will prove prosperous and beneficial to them. Unfortunately, however, this type of leadership proves to be more
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