8 Major types of Leadership Theories

Many different leadership theories have been studied, but most can be classified as one of eight major types.

1. “Great Man” Theories - assume that the capacity for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born.

2. Trait Theories - assumes that people inherit certain qualities and personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders.

3. Contingency Theories - focus on conditions related to the environment that might determine which style of leadership is best suited for the situation.

4. Situational Theories - propose that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situational variable and different styles may be more appropriate for certain types of decision-making.

5. Behavioral Theories - based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born and people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation.

6. Participative Theories - suggest that the ideal leadership style is one that takes the input of others into account.

7. Management Theories - focus on the role of supervision, organization, and group performance and are base leadership on a system of reward and punishment.

8. Relationship Theories - focus upon the connections formed between leaders and followers where leaders motivate and inspire people. These leaders often have high ethical and moral standards.

What about YOUR representatives?

Do you know their voting record? Do you know how many committee meetings they have (or have not) attended? Are they people of principle?

Why not contact your congressional representatives and ask about their voting record as well as their attendance at important committee meetings. Ask about how many naps they take in the back room when they should be in session! You may learn much more about your representatives than you will from a short pre-formatted television interview.

Contact your representative today!