Strengths And Weaknesses Of Distributive Leadership

Leadership theories are ever-evolving as organizational dynamics are constantly shifting. Thoroughly examining the Distributive Leadership and Leadership-Members Exchange approaches offers the opportunity to note the positive and negative aspects of each, as well as the key concepts. Personal experience is an interesting addition to the study in its ability to demonstrate a modern-day approach to an existing dynamic. To better compliment this study, looking at a leadership application in a diverse organization is telling in viewing the effects each of these theories has on team members and ultimately organizational morale.

Distributive Leadership

Distributive Leadership is commonly seen in an education research application but can also

2,)Practice: Practice focuses on tasks within an organization with regard to what is important and who should be the executor.

3.)Situation:With respect to an educational setting, the situation focuses on the leader, the follower and actual routine being examined.

Strengths and Weakness of Distributive Leadership

To thoroughly examine Distributive Leadership it is important to explore the negative and positive aspects associated with the method. Looking at the strengths, the following aspects are observed:

1.) An increase in the ownership of the decision making process as more power and influence is available to followers

2.) Innovation is more present as followers are empowered and are motivated to contribute more to the organization.

3.) Followers feel more loyalty and motivation in their roles within the organization resulting in increased enthusiasm.

4.) Team work is increased as relationships are strong across the organization and between leaders and

Effective leaders strive to demonstrate investment in these team members and prove opportunity exists for improvement.

3.)Offer Additional Education and Training: Finally, leaders have the opportunity to offer training and education to the struggling team member in an effort to improve the relationship, trust and job performance as a result.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Member-Exchange Theory

Looking at the Member-Exchange Theory it is interesting to note the benefits and losses to be achieved through this approach. In many ways, this method is similar to the concept of “survival of the fittest”. Motivated, hard working and loyal team members will rise to the top and those not fulfilling their obligations will be unsuccessful. It is necessary to examine the strengths of this approach as they are:

1.)Identification: This theory identifies those team members in the “in-group” and those in the “out-group”.

2.)Emphasis: The LMX Theory highlights the importance of communication with regard to relationships between leaders and his or her team