Leadership Case

Leadership Approach

Leadership is characterized by three factors that make it easier to understand the concept of leadership effectiveness. The factors evaluated are the characteristics of a leader, the characteristics of followers, and ultimately the characteristics of the situation. Emphasis on differing approaches indicates how leadership styles differ throughout an organization. There are many approaches to studying leadership. Some examples are the trait approach, behavior approach, power-influence approach, situational approach, and integrative approach (Yukl, 2010) . Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses. This paper will examine the strengths and weaknesses shown within the behavioral approach. Examples of how this approach is effectively used within today's business work will also be examined.

Behavior Approach

The behavior approach to studying leadership initiated in the 1950s. Researchers developed the behavior approach once the trait approach seemed out-dated. Instead of basing their findings on what physical characteristics management exhibits, the researchers began to concentrate more on what managers do daily at their job. Within the behavior approach, there are two subcategories. (Yukl, 2010).

First Subcategory

The first subcategory of research determines how managers spend their time and the routines of their activities, functions for managerial jobs, and functions. Other research involves examining how managers deal with the many issues that come up in a business day, ranging from employee issues to issues on a managerial level. Most of the managerial work research uses methods of collecting data, such as questionnaires, diaries, and interview transcripts (Leadership-Central.com, 2012) . Using the different methods of data collection gives different viewpoints regarding levels of leadership within an organization. A successful leader depends on a few aspects, primarily how well the manager does at resolving issues, deals with the stress of the job, overcoming deadlines barriers and how well they can single out organizational opportunities for their employees to either advance or train to advance in the future.(Yukl, 2010).

Second Subcategory

Another subcategory in regard to the behavior approach is based on the behavior of the management. If management cannot display a confident and positive behavior, the employees will have no reason to follow suit and be successful. For this sub-category some businesses will distribute a personality questionnaire to employees rating the management on their abilities, or lack thereof.