BUS 5411 - Portfolio Activity Unit -01 University of the People BUS 5411: Leading in today’s Dynamic Context Portfolio Activity Unit -01 Dr. Chris Lorenz Marcelo (Instructor) SEP/14/2023 Ghieath Aldaher BUS 5411 - Portfolio Activity Unit -01 TOPIC: This week, you will compose an entry delving into the primary leadership styles: autocratic, bureaucratic, and charismatic, as elucidated in the book "Leadership Theories and Style: A Transitional Approach." Select the style that is either most akin to or most divergent from your own. Conduct research on this leadership style and uncover instances of its application among renowned leaders. Next, within your own history of leadership experiences, identify and elucidate an example of this style that you have either employed or observed. Lastly, draw meaningful comparisons between the chosen style and the remaining ones. Introduction Leadership is a topic frequently discussed in daily life, yet it remains a complex and diverse field. There are numerous interpretations of the concept, but in business and organizational contexts, leadership can be defined as "the ability of a company's management to establish and attain challenging goals, make swift and decisive decisions, when necessary, outperform competitors, and inspire others to perform at their highest potential" (Twin, 2020). Various styles of leadership exist within different companies, including democratic, autocratic, transformational, transactional, bureaucratic, and strategic approaches. It is crucial for a leader to be well-versed in these styles and adept at applying each one appropriately (Prentice, 2004). As individuals have unique approaches to problem-solving, their leadership traits also differ. Some may approach a situation in a manner that others may not agree with in terms of the solution process. Some leaders are strict, while others are more lenient; some are easygoing, while others are high-strung (Kramer, 2020). BUS 5411 - Portfolio Activity Unit -01 In the book "Leadership Theories and Style: A Transitional Approach," the author presents various leadership theories, but the most significant ones discussed in this portfolio are autocratic, bureaucratic, and charismatic. Autocratic leadership entails leaders having complete control and not allowing subordinates to contribute input. In certain cases, this style of leadership can resemble a dictatorship (Russell, 2011). Autocratic leadership is not conducive to the well-being of an organization or a country. At a smaller organizational level, a single decision-maker is solely responsible for all the decisions made within the organization. Such decisions not only impact the reputation of the organization but also diminish the decision-making capabilities of others. Bureaucratic leadership is characterized by leaders adhering precisely to rules and leveraging positional power to influence outcomes. Leaders in this style are selected based on strong credentials and skills, and they possess the ability to positively impact people's lives. They adhere to strict discipline set by organizations, and all promotions are based on performance and results (Russell, 2011). I have always favored the bureaucratic leadership style because it involves collective decision-making, ensuring that decisions are made in consultation with all members. While it's not guaranteed that all decisions made by bureaucratic leaders will be correct, in the event of a failure, a single person is not solely responsible. One crucial aspect that makes bureaucratic style my preference is its well-defined chain of command, with clearly outlined roles and expectations for each level of authority (Lee, 2020). Charismatic Leadership is a style that combines charm, interpersonal connection, and persuasive communication to inspire others. Charismatic leaders motivate and inspire their team towards a greater goal by tapping into their emotions, creating trust, passion, and a sense of BUS 5411 - Portfolio Activity Unit -01 purpose greater than themselves (Charismatic Leadership | BetterUp, 2021). Such leaders are rare and possess the ability to inspire others through their charm and charisma. The most charismatic leader I have witnessed so far is Muhammad (pbuh), who had a charisma that drew a large following in a remarkably short period of time. Comparison: Autocratic Leadership vs. Charismatic Leadership Autocratic leaders employ a forceful style where they issue commands and expect strict compliance. This approach can be effective in certain fields, such as high-level leadership roles or military positions, where a singular authority sends commands down the chain of command. Charismatic leadership, on the other hand, centers on connecting with employees and teams rather than being an authoritarian presence. Leaders in this style focus on appealing, empathizing, and instilling passion with confidence (Charismatic Leadership | BetterUp, 2021). References: Charismatic Leadership | BetterUp. (2021, January 26). Www.betterup.com. https://www.betterup.com/blog/charismatic-leadership Earl, M. (2011). Leadership Theories and Style: A Transitional Approach. https://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/documents/cace/DCL/dcl_SecondPlaceEssay_1 102.pdf Kramer, L. (2008). 5 Different Types of Leadership Styles. Chron.com. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-different-types-leadership-styles-17584.html BUS 5411 - Portfolio Activity Unit -01 Lee, S. (2020, May 13). What Is Bureaucratic Leadership? Torch. https://torch.io/blog/what-isbureaucratic-leadership/
