Evaluating contemporary views of leadership paper

A review of the commonalities and disparities between the contemporary views of leadership

The analytical matrix focuses on the description of some of the commonalities as well as disparities that emanate from six contemporary leadership views as outlined in Wren’s text. The leadership models in consideration from the text are inclusive of the Leaders-member exchange model (LMX) model, the In-group model, Charisma, mentor, Hersey and Blanchard model and leadership substitutes. From the paper, it is possible to identify that all the articles support the fact that in the Leaders-member exchange (LMX) model, leaders in an organization should be able to involve their subordinates in making some of the crucial decisions in the organization (Wren, 1995). The consideration of involving subordinates in some of the decision-making processes within the organization has an influence on the relationship between them and the leaders, which is a consideration that is likely to have an effect on the performance of the organization. Other models that exhibit commonalities are inclusive of the promotion on mentorship in some of the leadership schedules as well as the leadership substitutes.

Some of the models that exhibit disparities as indicated by the different authors are inclusive of charisma, the in-group model and the Hersey and Blanchard model. The different authors focus on different aspects of the models, which are likely to have an influence on the overall success or failure of leadership in an organization (Wren, 1995). The charismatic model emphasizes on the personal attributes of leaders, which are attributes that are likely to be dissimilar. The Hersey and Blanchard model also emphasizes on the ability of the leaders to mould their followers, and the likelihood is that leaders will exhibit different mannerisms in the quest of molding their followers. On the other hand, the in-group model emphasizes on the relational disposition of the leaders with their subordinates. There are different views on the same, considering the fact that the leaders should find a suitable way of dealing with task coordination between their followers (Wren, 1995).

Criterion to evaluate contemporary leadership theories

Leadership views in the contemporary world are always viewed depending on how people understand it especially when it comes to the basic leadership components. Leadership views play a vital role in determining or influencing how contemporary leadership theories are evaluated. Alternatively, there are various ways and criterion to evaluate leadership views in the contemporary world. Understanding leadership theories which underpins the current leadership practices remains invaluable for any leader in the contemporary world. This specific context reviews contemporary leadership models, views and theories that emphasize some of the recent conceptualizations including complexity leadership aspects, distributed leadership and global leadership.

As part of the criterions to evaluate leadership views in the contemporary world, there are various leadership perspectives, which are important in this case. Some of the perspectives include the theoretical perspectives, the conflicting perspectives and the alternative perspectives. The theoretical perspectives are categorized in four fold typologies, which are mostly based on some of the assumptions that dominate when it comes to contemporary leadership. The focus in this case is the appropriate set of leadership characters. Secondly, the focus will be on the universally appropriate behavioral styles. Thirdly, the focus depends on the situational contingent traits in leadership while the forth aspect will focus on the situational contingent behavioral style (Wren,1995).

Conclusions from the critical evaluation

From the evaluation of the contemporary leadership views, it is possible to insinuate that leaders should be able to employ clinical judgment and reasoning in the determination of some of the leadership orientations applicable in their position in an organization. As exhibited by the commonalities and disparities between the contemporary leadership views, an important factor to consider would be the creation of a suitable environment that will ensure good relations between leaders and their subordinates. This consideration follows the servant leadership view, which involves the philosophy of setting practices that enriches the relationships between individuals in the organization (Spears, 2001).

It is also evident from the evaluation regarding criterion to evaluate leadership theories in the contemporary world that in as much as leadership views is an important aspect when it comes to leadership, it generally vary depending on how people understand it especially when it comes to the basic leadership components. Alternatively, leadership views play a vital role in determining or influencing how contemporary leadership theories are evaluated. Alternatively, the three perspectives thus the theoretical perspectives, the conflicting perspectives and the alternative perspectives play a vital role during leadership evaluation. The assumptions, which dominate various aspects in the contemporary leadership also remains a key aspect during leadership evaluation and in this case, where the theoretical perspectives come in handy. With all these aspects in mind, the paper remains of great significance especially to contemporary leadership. Alternatively, the paper allows the identification of various articles, which support the fact Leaders-member exchange (LMX) model, and organizational leadership should always involve subordinates in making important decisions in the organization.

References

Spears, L. C. (2001). Focus on Leadership: Servant-Leadership for the Twenty-First Century. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Wren, J. T. (1995). The leader’s companion: Insights on leadership through the ages. New York: The Free Press.