No. | Theories | Year | Assumptions |
1. | Great man theories | 1900 | Leaders are born and not made. Assumes leaders have natural abilities of power and influence |
2. | Trait theories | 1940’s-1950’s | Leaders have superior qualities and traits that differentiate them from followers |
3. | Behaviourist theories | 1950’s-1960’s | Focused more on what leaders do rather than what they are |
4. | Contingency theories | 1960’s-1980’s | Assume leaders act differently depending on the situation |
5. | Path-goal theories | 1980’s | Leaders assist followers to achieve their goals |