Limitations of Charismatic Leadership Theory?

¶ … limitations of charismatic leadership theory?

Charismatic leadership has some disadvantages based on the fact that the leader is an individual with charisma and all other people taking the role of being followers. In normal times this shows good workmanship but during a crisis the individual who has assumed the role of leader will have to provide the leadership and counsel. This severely limits the options and possible contribution by other able individuals because the decisions are not made on a shared and discussed manner and the view taken is that of an individual. Charisma thus is not effective in bringing about strategic decisions and making changes in organizations. The basic business model that is seen in this type of leadership is the visionary enterprise began by an individual and being run on a small scale, and some have become quite effective and popular. However such a model is not suitable to large enterprises that require far reaching actions and decisions. (Lussier; Achua, 2003)

2) What is servant leadership? Give an example of a servant leader? What characteristics do they possess?

In the leadership form 'servant leadership' -- the main motto is to lead by providing service to the followers. There is a form of altruism involved where the leader abandons his or her own needs to serve others and making his or her life an example to follow and emulate. Great men revered in history are often found to be of this kind, for example Mahatma Gandhi, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa and Princess Diana. In all cases where service was the motto the leaders practiced the motto and they were dedicated to a cause. The main method the leader tries to create a following is by empowering the followers and encouraging them to take up leadership roles. Mass movements are created this way and the responsibility is collective. There is no hierarchy and the leader is more of a servant of the people and the organization. Somehow there is a lot of spirituality and social concern involved in such leadership models. In business the model becomes more employee-based where the followers who are the employees are encouraged to arrive at decisions in their sphere of activity. In this form the leader tends to lead from a position where he or she exercises moral influence, and is concerned with the welfare and performance of the followers and all within a very moral standpoint. (Lussier; Achua, 2003)

3) How does a code of ethics help enforce ethical behavior in an organization?

Ethics, especially business ethics, and its codes are important for the business growth and creating trust in the market. A business cannot survive if its operations are dubious and suspect. Ethics of the company can be seen in the everyday business conduct. The ethical behavior and leadership effectiveness go hand in hand and this results in better position of the company. Big businesses that do not have ethical leaders have ultimately been exposed and the public have condemned them like Enron. The company became corrupt because the top executives and even its auditors were corrupt. The result was that some of the executives who followed the unethical practices went to jail and some face a very difficult life ahead in penury. Unethical leaders spread the corruption to the rank and file. Therefore ethical behavior has to come from the leader and the company must have ethical rules of operation that must be made inviolable. Thus any business cannot do without value and ethics and in the long run the company shown to have followed a proper ethical model will get the better public good will and also be effective. Therefore it is necessary to emphasize on ethics at all levels. (Lussier; Achua, 2003)

4) Describe some of the practices, policies, and norms that you would expect to find in an organization that prides itself on building a culture of respect and trust?