ABSTRACT
The important concepts of quality, safety and effectiveness in organizations will not be realized without the engagement and effective leadership of staff, who at the point of service make magic happen. The literature strongly suggests that engaged staff are more focused at work and provide safer and higher-quality work. Stephen Covey identified the difference between leadership and management when he stated, “Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.” In order to better understand modern leadership theories, it is important to look over the evolution of leadership over time. This reflection of the past sets the stage for the transformation of leadership theories. Democratic leadership is one of the participatory approaches that allows for the staff to take a more active role in decision-making. Followership in leadership theory is not a new concept. It was first studied by Mary Parker Follett in 1933.
