Approaches to leadership have developed over time, beginning with trait theories
which identified specific qualities of leaders associated with effectiveness (Zaccaro,
2007). Next, behaviour theories emerged examining what leaders actually do in the
course of their work as leaders. This approach merged with situational theories
emphasizing the influence of contextual factors on leadership processes (Yukl, 2006).
The Leader Member Exchange (LMX) theory introduced a relationship based approach
that highlighted the developing relationships between leader and subordinate based on
mutual respect, reciprocal trust, and an obligation to interact as partners over time (Graen
& Uhl-Bien, 1995). The view of leadership as primarily an exchange or transactional
relationship was developed by Burns (1978) and extended to describe transformational
relationships where leaders engage with followers to heighten their awareness of what is
really important and move them beyond their own self interests for the good of the
organization (Burns, 1978).