Dark Side Of Leadership Essay

1928 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Personality traits and leadership styles

Introduction
The research into leadership continues to be a topical subject in the academic literature on management. Leadership defined by Burns, (1978, p.425) “the reciprocal process of mobilising, by persons with certain motives and values, various economic, political and other resources, in a context of competition and conflict, in order to realise goals independently or mutually held by both leaders and followers”. This essay outlines the two types of leadership that exists, constructive and destructive. Its aim is to highlight the ever increasing dark, dysfunctional side to leadership and the catastrophic consequences of unethical behaviours which resulted in two of the biggest bankruptcies in US history. Its draws on the five types …show more content…

For example, Einarsen et al. (2007) profess a leader 's behaviour is the principal outcome which influences an organisation and factions. It can be argued that their description fails to take account of the four factors that define leaderships. Firstly, it fails to address the surrounding and environment factors; these behaviours are known to influence precisely market competitiveness or organisational quandary (Kellerman, 2004). Secondly, the definition fails to take account of personalities which directly affect the behaviour of a leader (Hogan and Hogan, 2001). Thirdly, the motivation and relationships of a leader are ignored (Wren, 1995) and finally, it fails to address that individual traits such as self-importance and allure correlated with the dark side of leadership may occur from a negative or advantageous conclusion for an organisation. (Padilla, Hogan, and Kaiser, 2007) Therefore, to improve these critiques, it is suggested the dark side of leadership is an ongoing pattern of behaviour that is a result of adverse effects demonstrated through the interaction of a leader and a follower where the follower’s satisfaction is hindered by the leaders’ misuse of power and

Show More
Related

  • Bad Leadership Skills in Black Hearts by Jim Frederick

    1242 Words  | 3 Pages

    Black Hearts is a great example of the reality on how severe bad leadership skills can ripple throughout a unit and impact its overall mission. This book serves as a guide for future leaders of America and will set the examples of what not to do in leadership positions. The lessons we can take from these soldiers can help us as potential leaders to become more competent and effective. The fact that this book focused on the hardships, poor decisions and sound judgment of the soldiers it helped emphasize on what was not the best choice of action and leaves a moment for you as the audience to think how you would of done it better. So right or wrong there was a lesson to be learned and the book did a good job including the reader. This book puts you in the shoes of a small group of soldiers from the 502nd Infantry Regiment and gives you an up close and personal take on the experience of the soldiers, from the bottom of the the ranks all the way up to the commander. 502nd Bravo Company 1st platoon deployed in the fall of 2005 into one of the most dangerous battle zones in Iraq known as the “Triangle of Death”. Thrown into the heartland of a growing insurgency, with undefined goals and a shortage of manpower, Bravo Company began piling up casualties at an alarming rate. They suffered many losses, as well as mental anguish. Because of the long and tragic deployment, a collapse in leadership began to unfold causing one of the most tragic, brutal, and infamous deployments in U.S Army history. There were many reasons that caused the deconstruction of leadership, and eventually, the actions of the soldiers accompanied by the lack of control, lead to the rape and murder of an innocent Iraqi girl and her family. This is a story about character...

    Read More

  • Shackleton’s Expedition

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    Kellerman, B. (2004). Bad Leadership: What it is, How it Happens, Why it Matters. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Press.

    Read More

  • Winston Churchill and His Leadership Attributes

    1666 Words  | 4 Pages

    Mlls, D. Q. (2005). Leadership How to Lead, How to Live. Boston: Harvad Business School Press.

    Read More

  • Effective Leadership and Social Identity Theory

    3216 Words  | 7 Pages

    Yukl, G. (2002). Leadership in organizations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. p. 1-19. Retrieved from http://www.blackdiamond.dk/HDO/Organisation_Gary_Yukl_Leadership_in_Organizations.pdf

    Read More

  • Control And Leadership

    1061 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sears Holdings is a company in transition. Now, faced with adversity and the threat of bankruptcy looming its leadership has come under scrutiny. “Great leaders not only have drive; they want to lead. Also important is a high need for power, a preference to be in leadership rather than follower positions. A high power need induces people to attempt to influence others, and sustains interest and satisfaction in the process of leadership. When the power need is exercised in moral and socially constructive ways, rather than to the detriment of others, leaders inspire more trust, respect, and commitment to their vision (Bateman, pp 399, 2007).”

    Read More

  • Alan Mulally, CEO, Ford Motor Company

    1465 Words  | 3 Pages

    The role of leadership can impact an organization performance in many ways. Excellent leadership can propel a company to the fortune five hundred list. For Example, Harpo Incorporated Oprah Winfrey’s company is a successful business that has made billions of dollars over the years. The business consists of several different entities such as the Oprah Show, Oprah Winfrey Network, and The Dr. Phil Show to name a few. This could not have been accomplished with a weak or uneducated leader. Many years ago I heard her give advice to the Williams Sisters. The a...

    Read More

  • Authentic Leadership Essay

    1002 Words  | 3 Pages

    The idea of approaching leadership from the standpoint of values has been echoed in several studies. O’Toole (1995) compared and contrasted contingency and situational approach to leadership with value-based leadership. He stated that all leadership styles eventually enforces the individuals to follow what their leader commands them to do rather than focusing on what is the will of the followers – this he called as disrespect for the individuals. It is important for the leader to understand, why people are resistant to change in reality and must make a personal commitment to overcome this resistance to changing environment or culture. He suggested that if the company wants to initiate change that is constructive, focus must be placed on the

    Read More

  • Leadership Reflective Essay

    810 Words  | 2 Pages

    Leadership is not defined by position. Leadership is an extraordinary responsibility given only to those willing to exude selflessness, decisiveness, and wisdom. CSM William R. Hambrick, Jr is an accomplished leader that embodies the values, attributes, and competencies that I aspire to convey to my subordinates. The impact that CSM Hambrick has had on my career and leadership philosophy is immeasurable. His far-reaching legacy is one of confidence, sound judgment, and empathy.

    Read More

  • A Good Leader Essay

    713 Words  | 2 Pages

    When we work together in a team, or in a broader sense as a society, the leader takes on the most important role. It is the leader that helps prioritize activities and direct people’s thought process in the right direction. They are the ones who have the ability to bring the group together as a whole. Because of this, not anyone can be a leader. Only people with certain qualities and abilities are able to fill this role. So what makes a good leader? There is a defined path and specific characteristics that makes someone a good leader.

    Read More

  • Essay On Importance Of Leadership

    1099 Words  | 3 Pages

    Leadership, without doubt, is a significantly important function of management. It helps to aggrandize efficiency and to fulfil an organization’s goals. Leadership is the ability of a manager to induce the subordinates to work with confidence, determination, courage and zeal. It is also defined as ability to influence a group towards the realization of a goal. Leaders should have the capability of developing future visions, and to drive the organizational members to want to attain the visions. This paper states my points in which I duly believe, justifies the importance of an outstanding leader in any organization.

    Read More

  • Poor Leadership Essay

    876 Words  | 2 Pages

    One of the biggest problems for Americans right now is the direction in which our country is headed due to poor leadership from our government. This problem has been affecting the American people deeply over the last few years and is only going to get worse. The effects of this poor leadership are the the growing debt in our country, poor health care regulations causing high premiums and forcing punishments upon people who self pay, illegal immigrants at an all time high, not enough money spent for education, and terrorist groups causing fear to Americans. These problems have been caused by the recent politicians we have elected for not only president but all of the branches of government. The best solutions to fix these problems are electing new government officials and a new president that will make changes and fix the problems that need fixing. The other alternative solutions would be the American people taking action and making the government realize that we want change. These problems have to be addressed now because the longer they are put on hold the worse the problems could be become.

    Read More

  • Keys To Effective Leadership Essay

    1665 Words  | 4 Pages

    What is leadership? Leadership is defined as a process by which a individual will influence others to obtain goals. Leaders will guide, direct motivate, or inspire others. Leadership is defined by not only traits but actions as well. Leaders are inspirational, trustworthy and charismatic. Many people may think a manger is leader. Although leadership and management go hand in hand, they are not the same. Everyone has their own beliefs about what characteristics an effective leader should have. To me, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and having a vision are few characteristics of becoming an effective leader. A leader is not only born, but made. Some are born as leaders or some are made to be leaders.

    Read More

  • Authentic Leader Essay

    1250 Words  | 3 Pages

    An authentic leader is someone who over the years has developed a unique vision; a person who is respected, not only because they are expert in their field, but is also respected because of their humility. An authentic leader is someone who is open to hear ideas other than their own ideas; someone who fosters creativity in a team. An authentic leader is someone who also sets clear expectations for the vision they have and along the way challenges their employees to achieve more than they even though was possible, but will those accountable who are not on board with the vision and expectations set forth. Lastly, an authentic leader is someone who will face and have to make difficult decisions without compromising core values.

    Read More

  • Leadership: The History And Theory Of Leadership

    1197 Words  | 3 Pages

    Leadership and the study of it has roots in the beginning of civilization, Egyptian rulers, Greek heroes, and biblical patriarchs all have one thing in common-leadership (THE HISTORY OF LEADERSHIP FOCUS,2005). There are numerous definitions and theories of leadership, however there are enough similarities in the definitions to conclude that leadership is the effort of influence and the power to induce compliance (Wren,1995).The organizational focus of the leader has evolved over this same period, early organizations with authoritarian leaders who believed employees were intrinsically lazy transitioned into way to make work environments more conducive to increased productivity rates (THE HISTORY OF LEADERSHIP FOCUS,2005).

    Read More

  • Leadership Reflection Paper

    1470 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many people associate leadership with a specific job title or form of power within an organization. However, through personal experience, I have concluded that leadership can come in many forms and position as well as from multiple sources of roles and job titles both with and without power. Based on the definition of leadership, anyone can be considered a leader as long as they have the ability to influence people to achieve a particular result or goal which benefits the organization or group as a whole. Individuals with a secure sense of self and understanding, acceptance of diversity within an organization tend to be the strongest leaders that not only make others want to follow, but they also encourage other leaders to gravitate to their

    Read More

More about Dark Side Of Leadership Essay

Open Document