The definition of power – “Power is a capacity that A has to influence the behaviour of B so that B does things that he or she would not otherwise do”. (Robbins et al 1994). The term influence plays a big role when using power to achieve preferred situations or outcomes.
Power rests with all leaders. Leadership is defined as “The ability to influence a group toward the achievement of goals” (S P Robbins et al 1994). There is another definition of Leadership. “Leadership is the process of influencing others toward achieving group goals” (Hughes et al 1996). Leadership like management is an action not a designated position. It is the same as doctors. Leadership is also a science while acting as a leader is an art. Similar to managers leaders also achieve goals through other people.
Leaders must have a vision and based on that vision there must be a mission. To fulfil this mission organisational goals are set up. Leaders have special traits. Leadership is developed not only through education but also through experience. Some leadership traits are being trustworthy, honest, will be a good teacher and communicator and must be reliable and strong minded. In addition, a leader should have the right attitude and be able to motivate the followers.
Many types
There are many types of leadership styles practised by different types of leaders. Autocratic Leadership style, Democratic leadership style and Laissez Faire leadership style. Autocratic is when a leader dictates decisions to subordinates. Some say that autocratic leaders end up with poor performance and is not acceptable to others. Here the decision is made by the leader alone. There is centralised power and autocratic leaders do not socialise. Labour turnover is high and there will be low-skilled followers. However, if there is a lot of conflict in a country autocratic leadership is better. Ex Adolf Hitler. Democratic Leadership is where the power of the leader is articulated through a participative and democratic style. (Likert 1967) A democratic leader is a leader who shares decision making with the managers.
This style promotes the sense of team work. It has the philosophy of non-interference. Always think that two leaders are better than One, the synergy effect. With all this the Leader is responsible when things go wrong. Yet it has a decentralised approach to leadership. There is good communication. This is also more creative and innovative and has consistent long-term productivity. There is also legitimate power in democratic leadership. Laisse Faire leadership is where the Government does not interfere as to how the Economy goes.
Some say its zero-leadership style. This leadership is most motivated by autonomy. There is negative or low productivity. This is the “Let them do it” style. Followers are highly educated. Examples are doctors, engineers and accountants. Eg. Ronald Regan.
Change in style
Situational Leadership style is where the leadership style changes according to the situation. To quote Mahatma Gandhi “I suppose leader at one time meant muscles but today it means getting along with the people.” Sometimes it is necessary to change the leadership style according to the situation.
It is necessary to match the leader with the situation. Situational leadership is flexible. It adapts to the existing work environment taking into consideration the needs of the organisation or country. It is not based on the specific skills of the leader instead the leader modifies the style of management to suit the requirements of the organisation or country respectively.
These leaders should have the insight to understand as to when the change is necessary. The competence and commitment of the followers must be taken into consideration when deciding on the leadership style. Eg. British Telecom, Royal New Zealand Navy.
Transactional and transformational leadership styles: Transactional leadership is when leaders and followers agree on an exchange relationship to meet their needs. People will remain in this type of relationship only as long as they are mutually benefited. The values are those surrounding the exchange process and play a key role in transactional leadership style.
Compelling vision
Transformational leadership articulates the problem in the current system and can have a compelling vision of what a new society, organisation or country could be. All Transformational leaders are charismatic but not all charismatic leaders are transformational. Ex Mahatma Gandhi.
Power, leadership and position are always equated with one another in any country or in any organisation. In fact, power and politics in countries or organisations are a reality that no country or organisation can ignore. In countries where resources are limited the untapped resources must be touched upon to enhance the value of the country.
It is imperative that those who are eligible to vote, study continuously not only during election but at all times the nature of politicians, the power they use, the type of leadership style and of course to identify the charismatic leader in a developing country where they are so rare. Thus it is emphasised again that all citizens who are eligible to vote must remember when casting the vote during election to consider the type of power, the type of leader, the type of leadership style and most importantly the stability of the country.
All these should be borne in mind, or else it would be a blind vote. It is vital that all of us while voting make a correct decision considering values, attitudes and perception, be honest and assess carefully when choosing someone to the throne.
Power leadership and position go hand in hand. Leadership like management is an action not merely a position.
