Critically Evaluate how Theories of Leadership Define and Explain how Essay

Critically Evaluate how Theories of Leadership Define and Explain how to Identify and Create Effective Leaders - Essay Example However, recently there has been increasing emphasis or recognition of dispersed leadership. This approach, having its foundation in psychology, sociology and politics rather than the management sciences considers leadership to be a process which is diffused through the organization instead of lying with the designated leader. The present project seeks to make a critical evaluation of the various definitions of leadership. It then goes on to explain how to identify and create effective leaders in the organization. It focuses on the traditional and individualistic views of leadership as these are considered to have the greatest relevance to the field of management development and leadership standards in organizations. Critical Analysis Leadership is an extremely high valued and highly sought after commodity. It is a common question for people to ask what make for the good leaders. Moreover leadership has attracted attention of the researchers all across the world and a review of the s cholarly articles on the subject reveals that there are numerous theoretical approaches for explaining the complexities of the process of leadership (Northouse, 2009, p.1). Some researchers have considered leadership as behaviour or trait while others have viewed the same from a relational standpoint or an information processing perspective (Northouse, 2009, p.1). Leadership Defined Stogdill (1974) brought forth through a series of research that there are as many different definitions of leadership as there are people trying to define it. Although each one knows intuitively about the meaning of the term, it appears mean differently to different individuals. The mere attempt to give a definition to leadership creates the discovery that it has numerous different meanings (Northouse, 2009, p.2). Certain components have been identified as being central to the conceptualization of leadership. Firstly leadership is considered to be a process; it includes a certain amount of influence; it occurs in groups and finally it involves common goals. Considering the above components the most common definition of leadership has evolved. Leadership has been defined as a process in which a single individual has influence over a group of individuals in order to attain a common goal (Northouse, 2009, p.2). The definition of leadership as a process means that it is neither a characteristic nor a trait residing in the leader; it is rather a transactional event occurring between the leaders and the followers. The term process implies that it is not a one way event; both leaders and followers get affected in the process. They need each other mutually. According to the views of Burns (1978), although there is a close link between the leaders and the followers, generally leaders are more associated with the initiation of the relationship, the creation of communication linkages and carrying the responsibility or burden of maintaining the relationship (Northouse, 2009, p.4). Theories of Leadership Researchers are of the opinion that a difference exists between the trait and process theory of leadership. It is common for people to think that people are born to be leaders or that people make leaders naturally. These are some statements which are generally expressed by people who consider the trait perspective towards leadership. The perspective suggests that

Baytree Procurement for MSA Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

Baytree Procurement for MSA Project - Essay Example Most recently, the concerns about sustainability and environmental impact alarmed individuals, civic organisations, and even the global governments to subject themselves to goals that deter the destruction of the natural environment and ecological processes. This is in line with the reduction of the negative impact of global climate changes, and disasters caused by mankind’s mindless consumption, waste generation, pollution, and other activities including construction of built environment. All activities point out and lead to connected sourcing up to disposal so that each step of every process has become an important part of a whole. This paper will try to determine one company –Baytree Leisure Plc’s possible procurement issues as well as possible solutions to develop a proposed motorways services area in Yorkshire with close consideration of environment impact as well as sustainability. (i) Analyse the key procurement issues for Baytree Leisure plc to consider, including a review of their likely project success criteria and objectives for the proposed project Salteroyd. Identify any assumptions that you have made. The Key Procurement Issues for Baytree Leisure Plc In consideration of the proposed plan to provide the Motorway Services Area (MSA) on the M7 motorway in an area in Salteroyd in the county of Yorkshire, various procurement issues must be addressed. The aim of the plan is to meet the expectations resulting from the climate change agenda and drive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The customers and consumers are therefore expected to become more selective in their buying decisions and would consider use of built environment such as the MSA to adhere to environmentally responsible developments. Sustainable building design and construction is therefore a must for Baytree. Design Foremost about the procurement process issue that Baytree needed to address is design. Design in the built environment means a plan for achieving goals or requirements by clients in consideration of users, environment, as well as other factors that will guide or limit the designer (Ralph and Wand, 2009). It serves as a guide to meet the least and the loftiest of details for a more holistic approach, and in this process, an ecologically sound MSA. Design choices as already mentioned, is guided by the principles of sustainability, environment-friendliness, costs, economics, functionality, ergonomics, or change methods to meet goals (Holm, 2006). Approaches in design includes user-centred usually guided by the function, multiple approaches, as well as keep it simple or KISS with minimised process and content but with consideration to aesthetics (Holm, 2006). Design also applies the following: Explore possibilities addressing problem and research that involves all stakeholders in the presentation of goals; Redefine development and improvement of traditional specifications and guidelines for options, solutions, and goals; Manage approache s to defining, exploring possibilities or creating ecological designs; Prototype or production of possible products to improve existing or traditional designs; Trend-spot merging concepts and products in order to innovate (Getlein, 2008). In addressing design issues, the project owner and its contractors will be able to provide a guide for the procurement specifically based on the