What are the Emerging Issues in Leadership ?
There are a number of emerging issues in leadership that are currently gaining attention in the field of management and leadership. These include differences in leadership styles between males and females, the challenges of providing team leadership, the importance of leading through empowerment, the role of followership in the leadership process, the impact of national culture on leadership, the controversial idea that there may be a biological basis for leadership, and the moral dimension of leadership. Let's discuss briefly these issues :
1. Differences in leadership styles between males and females:
Research has shown that women tend to prefer a more participative and people-oriented leadership style, while men are more likely to use a directive and controlling style. For example, a female leader might solicit input and feedback from team members before making a decision, while a male leader might make a decision based on their own expertise and authority.
2. Providing team leadership:
Many leaders today are trained to manage groups rather than teams, but the increasing trend towards team-based work means that they must learn how to lead teams effectively. For example, a leader who is used to managing a group of employees might struggle to adapt to leading a team of cross-functional experts who are all working towards a common goal.
3. Leading through empowerment:
Giving employees the authority, skills, and freedom to make decisions is key to effective team leadership. However, finding the right balance between empowering team members and maintaining control can be challenging. For example, a leader who empowers their team to make decisions might find that they are able to solve problems more quickly and effectively, but they also need to ensure that the team is making decisions that align with the overall goals of the organization.
4. Followership:
Leadership is a two-way process, and followers also have an impact on leaders' behavior and success. Leaders should be aware of how their behavior may be influenced by factors such as gender, age, and personal backgrounds. For example, a leader who is aware that their behavior may be influenced by their own biases or prejudices might make a conscious effort to be more inclusive and open-minded when working with a diverse team.
5. The impact of national culture:
Leaders' behavior is also influenced by the culture in which they operate, and they must be aware of cultural differences when leading teams. For example, a leader who is used to working in a culture that values hierarchy and respect for authority might struggle to adapt to a culture that values equality and consensus-building.
6. The role of biology in leadership:
Some research suggests that effective leaders have a unique combination of hormones and brain chemistry that helps them build social alliances and cope with stress. However, this idea is controversial. For example, some studies have found that effective leaders have higher levels of certain hormones that are linked to social bonding and stress management, but it is not clear whether these hormones are a cause or a consequence of effective leadership.
7. The moral dimension of leadership:
Leadership is not value-free, and leaders should be judged not only on the means they use to achieve their goals, but also on the moral content of those goals. For example, a leader who achieves success by exploiting their team or engaging in unethical behavior might be considered effective in the short-term, but their actions may have negative consequences in the long-term.
In conclusion, It is important for leaders to be aware of these emerging issues and to consider how they might impact their approach to leading and managing their teams. By understanding these trends and adapting their leadership style accordingly, leaders can better meet the needs of their teams and organizations.
Also Read : Emerging Issues in Motivation
0 Comments