What is the meaning of leadership in sociology?

After reading this article you will learn about:- 1. Meaning of Leadership 2. Types of Leaders 3. Patterns.

Meaning of Leadership:

Within the power structure of every society certain vital, integral individuals operate within groups to promote, stimulate, guide, or otherwise influence members to action.

Such activity has been called leadership, and the individuals have been referred to as Leaders. They are also known as power holders, men of power, power-centres and power elite. What makes these individuals distinctive is their role in the group, their influence and their possession of social power.

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The basic elements in leadership are:

(i) The leader-who leads,

(ii) The followers-who allow themselves to be influenced by the leader,

(iii) The situation-the cultural context, and

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(iv) The task-the activities performed in common movement and achievement of the desired goals by the group.

Types of Leaders:

The types of leaders generally found under Indian condition are:

Traditional leaders:

They emerge out of tradition and stick to tradition. They are of static type and do not accept change. They have vested interests and have the fear that changes may overthrow them from power position. Example, tribal chiefs.

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Caste leaders:

Followers belong to the same caste as that of the leader. The leader provides leadership in matters relating to the caste.

Religious leaders:

Become leader by preaching religious doctrines, or performing religious acts or rituals. They advise followers on religious matters.

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Political leaders:

They arise out of the political system. Example, M.L.A., M.P., Chief Minister, Prime Minister etc.,

Functional leaders:

They are recognized as leaders because of their specialized knowledge and function in the society. Example, Headmaster of a school, doctor, scientist, agricultural innovator etc.

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Opinion leaders:

These are the persons to whom people go for opinion and advice on certain issues. Opinion leaders also act as legitimizers and influence decision making of the opinion seekers.

In comparison to the opinion seekers, the opinion leaders have more formal education, higher socio-economic status, more social participation and more exposure to mass media. They amplify media message to the members of the society and often counter the possible impact of unfavourable propaganda.

Patterns of Leadership:

Leader-centred leadership:

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This is a negative, pessimistic or discouraging approach, as the mass of people or the followers are thought to be lacking in competence to develop and need direction from a controlling elite. A selected group of leaders are chosen and then given a sound training.

Group-centred leadership:

This is an optimistic, positive and constructive view of man and emphasizes on enhancement of the group rather than the individual who is its leader. It is believed that leadership qualities are not the monopoly of an individual but dispersed throughout members of the group, each having potential leadership qualities.

The concern in this approach is the discovery of methods of liberating and developing the potentialities of members of the group so that they become capable of constructive self-direction, and less dependent on leaders.

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In leader-centred approach, the leaders try to influence or control group members by the use of propaganda, persuasion, power and prestige. On the other hand, in group-centred approach, the objective is to find out how the members could make effective contribution in solving their own problems. The group-centred approach involves exploration, leading to discovery of ways of developing the creative potentialities of groups and not merely of leaders.

Ordinarily, local leaders may be identified through discussion method, the workshop method, observing the group in action, election method and, on the basis of seniority and past experience.

Sociometric technique is a method for identification of leaders and leadership pattern, by asking some questions to all persons in the group, and tabulating and diagramming their responses. Leaders have an important role in legitimizing programmes of planned change in a society, which the extension agent should not ignore.

Leadership has played an important role in the human history since earliest times. The historians have glorified heroes in battle and valued the importance of their deeds for the future generations.

The role of politicians, statesmen and emperors in the development of empires, territories and nations has received considerable attention in the imperial history. In modern society there is emphasis on leadership and to earn an online Leadership degree is considered a great starting point, since there is continual search for men with leadership qualities.

What is best definition of leadership?

The action of leading a group of people or an organisation.” That's how the Oxford Dictionary defines leadership. In simple words, leadership is about taking risks and challenging the status quo. Leaders motivate others to achieve something new and better.

What are the 4 definitions of leadership?

Affiliative: Leaders create emotional bonds and harmony. Democratic: Leaders build consensus through participation. Pacesetting: Leaders expect excellence and self-direction. Coaching: Leaders develop people for the future.

What is leadership function sociology?

Leadership function refers to the main focus or goal of the leader. An instrumental leader is one who is goal-oriented and largely concerned with accomplishing set tasks.

What is leadership explain with example?

Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal. In a business setting, this can mean directing workers and colleagues with a strategy to meet the company's needs. Here's what you need to know about leadership, and some examples of how it can benefit businesses.