Leadership Theory

Over the weekend I completed reading my leadership textbook for this Fall. The title of the book is Leadership Practice and Theory. It was written by Peter Northouse. It is a literary review of the state of leadership from an academic perspective. After reading the book, I certainly came away with my own opinions regarding leadership. I considered the newer theories in the book to be very suspect. In fact, each chapter of the book ends with a pro/con review of the theory. Some of the later theories such as contingency theory criticisms were so harsh, I was left to wonder why it was even considered a valid theory.

I now believe as my professor indicated upon my first meeting with him this summer. No one really has a total handle on leadership. He pointed to the fact that since there were so many books on the subject that perhaps it is a very important subject and one that is not very well understood. I now agree. The older theories make more sense to me. Theories such as trait and skill theory.

Perhaps as I continue to learn more, my position will change. But for now I realize that I could very easily offer a theory and execute a study, and it could be the next big thing in leadership theory. Also, I absolutely do not agree with the idea of situational leadership as offered by Blanchard. I eagerly anticipate our further discussions next month in Boston, as I strive to form my ideas regarding leadership.