ABSTRACT

This chapter explains the major theories that seek to explain leadership success in different arenas. Leadership theory has focused from the very beginning on the unique qualities of individuals who assume the responsibility of leading. The complexity arising from the development of these multiple patterns of relationships within organizations is now known as contingency leadership theory. Jeffrey Luke argues that successful leadership results from the proper timing of speech and actions that catalyze others to employ resources and information and use of their formal and informal position power for collaboratively determined purposes. In Luke's catalytic model, effective leaders identify critical points for action by thinking strategically, cultivating key relationships among powerholders and operational groups, and maintaining constancy of purpose that inspires others by leading from passion and strength to achieve appropriate ends. However, the inadequacies of the contingency model are evident in its exclusive focus on workgroups and organizations with simple superior/subordinate relationships.