Leadership: Types, Challenges, and Importance

Running head: LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1LEADERSHIP
Leadership is an important function in any organizational context. It is intrinsic to the
very operational existence of any organization. Leadership is a factor that is not limited to
corporate organizational contexts alone. There is significant requirement for leadership across
social, political, environmental and other areas that need to be managed in accordance of their
respective goals. It is important that leadership is utilized effectively toward achieving
significant goals for any organization. It is the most significant factor that guides the successful
and productive journeys of organizations around the world. Leadership is diverse in its
proportion, presence and functional significance. There are various types of leadership roles,
approaches and functions. Hence, there are many aspects that encompass leadership as a whole.
Along with the same there are significant challenges that are faced by leadership towards leading
organization towards success. These challenges also tend to vary in accordance with the type of
leadership that an organization is undertaking. In order to understand the significance of
leadership it is important that the various aspects that govern leadership are discussed along with
the challenges that affect them at the same time. For the ease of understanding the concepts that
are essentially connected with leadership, corporate organizational leadership can be
exemplified.
The various types of leadership roles that are present in organizational contexts are
important for enhancing the functional effectiveness of organizations. These roles differ in terms
of situational requirements, operational feasibility and hierarchical functionality in accordance
with the organizational environment. There are various types of organizational leadership styles
that have historically affected the progress and performance of organizations. The various types
of leadership roles have been effective in achieving the major objectives that have been set in
front of the organizations depending on the various situations. Leadership roles have evolved

2LEADERSHIP
historically in accordance with the changing situations that affected the organizations and the
leadership roles that became important towards tackling the challenges that these situations
created. Some of the leadership types can be discussed to further help in the analysis of
leadership and its importance.
Autocratic leadership style is among the very basic types of leadership. This leadership
style is centered on a leader figure. This leader figure is the boss that determines all of the
essential leadership decisions. The leader holds the highest authority and responsibility. Leaders
in this type of leadership tend to make decisions of their own without consulting with the rest of
the subordinates. In organizational environments the leader is the one that finalizes deals,
agreements, policies, approaches and other important decisions based on his own understanding.
The subordinates in this type of leadership are only expected to follow the commands and orders
that are communicated by the leader. Although this is a very basic form of leadership, very few
situations actually support this form of leadership.
Democratic leadership is an important form of leadership. In the democratic style of
leadership the leader involves the subordinates in the decision making processes. This is very
different as a style of leadership than the Autocratic form of leadership. In this type of leadership
although the final responsibility rests with the leader, the contribution of the subordinates to the
decision making process becomes very much important. The communication process in this type
of leadership is smoothly active either upwards or downwards. It is a very preferred form of
leadership as it creates a healthier environment than many other leadership styles. This style of
leadership enhances fairness, competence, courage, intelligence, honesty and creativity.