Chapter 4 - Leadership Theories
Great Man Theory In the 19th century, the Great Man Theory of Leadership became well-known. The theory was formed mainly by analyzing military figures at that time. In the 1800s, only men were in the authoritative positions and normally inherited from father to son. That's why the theory was named "Great Man Theory”. A lot of people say, "Great leaders are God-gifted, not manmade”. The quote shows the results of a well-known leadership theory called Great Man Theory, which states that leadership criteria are innate. It means that, the theory believes that people either born as a great leader or not at all. It is undeniable how the Great Man Theory is not valid enough in explaining how one can be a great leader other that being born to do so.Nevertheless, the theory had a lot of great people to think about the term leadership!
Pros - This theory is beginning point of criteria for great leaders which good leader should be clever or intelligent, has
leader-like personality, and have high ability to do things.
Cons
- There is a limitation to this theory as born-leader quality is something that cannot be changed, but can be improved. - There is no evidence to support that this theory is real or reliable.