ABSTRACT
The first section focuses on the definition of leadership. We then look at reasons why leadership is important for organizations. The chapter then proceeds to a discussion of theories of leadership. We look at various approaches to leadership, including the trait approach, the behavioural approach, the contingency approach and a few recent approaches. A major breakthrough in our understanding of leadership came when researchers recognized the need to include situational factors. In addition, the study of leadership has expanded to include visionary approaches to leadership. As we learn more about the personal characteristics which followers attribute to charismatic and transformational leaders, and about the conditions that facilitate their emergence, we should be better able to predict when followers will exhibit extraordinary commitment and loyalty to their leaders and their goals.
