ABSTRACT
Theories of leadership come in all shapes, sizes, and formats. The generic causal-chain model of leadership that is used here incorporates three different types of factors: leader styles, contingency factors, and performance goals. An immense number of factors affect the leader's preferred modes of action and the degree of effectiveness of those actions. Leadership theories in the first half of the twentieth century tended to emphasize leader characteristics; task and subordinate characteristics were most heavily emphasized in the 1950s through the 1970s; and organizational and other characteristics were more emphasized from the 1980s to the present. The laissez-faire style occurs when the leader exhibits passivity or indifference about tasks and subordinates or purposely neglects areas of responsibility. It can be considered a hands-off style, a nonstyle, or, on occasion, a conscious strategy when competing demands necessitate overlooking some areas of responsibility.
