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Types of Leaders
Charismatic Leaders – These are those whose influence is derived from the personality e.g. Napoleon, Kenyatta, Billy Graham, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu etc. This type resides only in a few people and cannot be acquired by training – it is natural.
Traditional Leaders –These are those whose position is assured by birth e.g. Kings, Queens, tribal chieftains etc. It is limited and not applicable to workplaces except in family businesses.
Situational Leaders –Their influence is effective by being in the right place at the right time – It is impromptu and temporary e.g. One who steps to direct traffic in a jam.
Appointed Leaders –Refers to those whose influence arises from position e.g. managers and supervisors. It is a bureaucratic type of leadership where legitimate power comes from the position in the hierarchy.
Functional Leaders – Are those whose influence comes from the work done rather than position such as experts.
Leadership and Power
Power is the capacity to influence others through the control of instruments of reward and punishment – which can be tangible or intangible. Sources of Power are:
- Legitimate power – derived from the position e.g. kingship, managerial
- Reward Power – derived from control of resources e.g. promotion, recommendation, training etc.
- Referent power– derived from association with powerful people
- Coercive power – uses the ability to force other people to act against their wishes through the fear of punishment.
- Expert power – derived from the possession of expert knowledge or information that others need but have no alternative access.