Leadership Theories and Business Success

This assignment delves into the realm of leadership theories and their role in driving business success. It covers contingency, behavior, trait, power/influence theories, and situational leadership models. Additionally, it examines the benefits of good leadership in business and how these theories can contribute to an organization's excellence.

LEADING CHANGES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Apple is one of the biggest and well-known companies that deals in designing,
developing and selling electronics, computer software and online services. The products of
corporation consist of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, etc. Steve Jobs was known as the
founder as well as CEO of company. It’s all his contribution made company reach at a very
higher position. He was a good leader as well as manager. The managerial qualities of Steve
Jobs are described here by using various leadership theories. His various characteristics are
responsible for the success of Apple. After his death, company needs a new leader who would
show the right path to corporation that is discussed in this report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1
Consideration of Jobs to be a manager, a leader, or both...........................................1
The characteristics that helped Jobs drive Apple forward............................................4
Consequences of taking his style too far....................................................................6
Would Jobs have been the right person for Apple during the times ahead, or does the
company now require more of a ‘manager’ than a ‘leader’? .......................................7
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................... 8
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Leadership can be simply defined as a process in which a leader influences large
number of people for achieving a common goal. It is not an attribute or quality that is present in
a leader but instead a transactional effect that goes on in between the leaders and their
followers. Leaders affect as well as get affected by their followers (Yaghoubi and et. al., 2011). It
emphasises that leadership is not a linear or one sided activity but is an interactive event.
Leadership involves focus on the same goals. Leaders use all their energy towards those
people who are attempting to attain something together. Both of them have a common intention.
They motivate or encourage a group of people that are working together. Effective leaders are
those who increase the productivity of a corporation by their efforts and ideas. The present
report is based on leadership style of Steve Jobs. He is a classic example of an individual who
was possible not born to be a leader. He was dismissed by the board of directors in 1985 after
starting Apple computer from his garage. But after the foundation of Pixar Animation Studios
and NeXT Computer, he was hired again as the Chief Executive Officer and developed the
revolutionary iPod, iPhone and many other products.
Consideration of Jobs to be a manager, a leader or both
According to Fullan (2014), Steve Jobs can be considered as both a manager and a
leader. He had a lot of skills which prove that he was the best manager of his company, Apple.
Schlender says that he had become more patient over his career. He does not care what people
thinks about him. Instead of this, he was full confident over himself. He had over prepared for
the presentation of Apple. He spend a long period of time in preparation of his introduction of
products and other public appearances by rehearsing them exhaustively. He does multiples of
rehearsals on a single presentation and tweaked everything from the colour in order to improve
his gait. He also assisted workers in an unpredicted way. Steve was an aesthetic idealist in a
specific way. It was most necessary for him to manufacture a good quality product rather than
selling large number of products. On the other hand, Bateman and Snell (2013) says that the
founder of Apple, Steve Jobs was considered as an iconic leader who had invented the
Macintosh computer which is a personal computer for masses. He also created the music
players and mobile phones that is loved by everyone. He wished a tool for expanding the power
of brain processing with all the information present in the world on a small screen.
Annesi and Marti (2011) says that late Steve Jobs was popular as one of the most
prestigious and innovative leader throughout his life. He was not just only the founder of the
Apple and Pixar but also was capable of leading various organisations to become most powerful
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within the nation. Ahmad and Raza (2011) states that he was known because of his hard work
and over confidence but he possess specific Zen and simplicity. No one can copy the specific
qualities that made him such an inspirational leader. Everyone take lessons from his different or
unique leadership style. On the other hand, Miniño and Murphy (2013) says that Steve was full
of confidence that is very important as being a leader. If there was single thing that Steve jobs
had it was his confidence and which provided his staff members the self-assurance which is
required by them to break the barriers and invent some most innovative product based on
technology in this world.
Martinez, Delivet-Mongrain and Rossignol (2013) told one of the most known or popular
story that shows the confidence level of Steve. He desired a special type of glass for the front of
the iPhone and he wanted it very quickly. When a worker told him this is impossible then at that
time he said “yes, you can do it. You can deliver, do not be afraid.” Such confidence was not
only present in him but was also there in his staff members. Some of the theories are present
that state the managerial characteristics of Steve. Those are listed as below:
 Contingency theory: This theory states that managers make proper decisions on the
basis of certain situation. Steve Jobs was such a manager that also takes appropriate
actions based on the present situation.
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 System theory: This theory shows that how various systems impact a worker and how
an employee affects the system around them. A system is made up of a different parts
that works together in order to attain a goal. Jobs clearly understand the requirements
of their workers and the way they are affecting system. So, he had fulfilled all their
needs in order to achieve their aim and objectives.
Some of the leadership theory are described below:
 Trait Leadership: This theory was formed in the year of 1940, Steve Jobs definitely
had a large amount of charisma going for him. His style is a combination of various
traits, with some modern and less-traversed ones thrown in for added impression. The
most impelled trait factors for effectual leadership are sociability that is followed by
determination and integrity. Although his cultural graces are in question, Steve surely
appear to have no anxiety of people and was very active in working and meeting with
them. He was believing in face to face or direct meetings and discussions. He was
rarely flutter from integrity of his goods and ideas and was not driven by benefits like so
many others.
 Behavioural leadership: This theory of leadership was created in the year of 1960
and concentration moved from traits to behaviour of leaders (Yaghoubi and et. al.,
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Figure 1: Trait Theory of Leadership and Its Key Characteristics
(Source: Trait Theory of Leadership and Its Key Characteristics,
2016)

2011). This type of leadership are comprises of four styles namely Concern of task,
Directive leadership, Participate leadership and Concern for people.
 Situational leadership: In situational leadership, the leader considers the capabilities
and temperament of their followers and adjust their style of leadership according to
them. They would frequently move from directing, to supporting, to coaching and to
delegating depending on the requirements of their followers. In other enterprise, Jobs
most probably would failed due to his coarse treatment and unfitness to adjust his
approach. Therefore, he did not adopt situational approach as he wants to work with
similar minded people who were both prepared and highly capable. These
characteristics of followers would recommend that Steve should have taken delegation
approach to situational leadership.
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Figure 2: Situational leadership theory
(Source: Situational leadership theory, 2017)

Characteristics that helped Jobs drive Apple forward
Steve Jobs possess various unique characteristics that helped him to drive Apple
forward. Some of those attributes are listed below:
 Strong Vision: Schreuder and et.al., (2011) says that he had a broad vision for Apple.
He wants to develop such a product which has simpler user interface and fine design
that would satisfy greatly to all people of different age groups. On the other hand,
Novac and Bratanov (2014) states that he was examining how corporations like
Microsoft were capable to rule the software market and then licensing their operating
system for running them on more than one platforms. He was totally against such
approach. He desired the overall control over the experience of users which can be
attained by reducing his software to run on products of Apple. By this way, he can
achieve total control over user experience in software and hardware.
 Strong leadership: As per the view point of Mujtaba and Sungkhawan (2011), the way
Steve presented his vision, his workers get inspired and his business partners and
competitors showed him great respect. He developed Apple in the year of 1997 and at
that time the firm was facing financial crisis. But also at that hard time, he does not lose
confidence and with the help of his key products and projects, he gain the good
financial conditions again. Miniño and Murphy (2013) says that he was not dependent
on the market research and never invited users in their design studio. On the contrary,
Martinez, Delivet-Mongrain and Rossignol (2013) states that he was inviting top
designers who were admiring his moderate aesthetics and were following simplicity of
his designing. He and his team members were relying on themselves and their close
feelings of developing goods that consumers cannot even think they required such as
the revolutionary iPhone or iPod.
 Wonderful thinking: Kumar (2013) sates that most of the entrepreneurs earlier to
Steve Jobs were extraordinary thinkers. But Steve was one of the greatest thinkers for
all time. He realised that civilians has doubt for their new ideas. He was used to put on
a show for uncovering and demonstrating his inventions so that people can realise their
visions and get excited.
 Exceptional influence: As per the view point of Hughes (2016), one of the thing that
he was capable to do very well was creating a beyond a field of realism, both in
negative as well as positive ways for him. This assisted in inspiring his team for
finishing the project before or at the allotted deadlines. He had done this by addressing
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people stormily and having them visualise things from his eyes. He had communicated
his vision on regular basis and others had also faith in their missions.
 Supervisor of tough times: Fullan (2014) says that Steve used to go to attend
meetings and at launches of product, even being too weak due to cancer. If someone
examine his videos or images of his last days of life, they can see how weak and
malnourished he looked. Jobs thoughts that everyone has limited period of time so all
of us should have courage to hear the feelings of their heart and follow that. Besides
this, every things are secondary.
Consequences of taking Jobs style too far
Taking the style of Steve jobs too far would prove to be very beneficial for the Apple. He
had followed a different range of leadership styles. The impacts of some of them are listed as
below:
 Delegating style: This style of leadership empowers the masses or followers so that
they become responsible for their personal decisions and actions. For matured
followers who have higher level of job readiness, this leadership style would give them
a broad meaning or sense of achievement which acts as motivator in giving their best
and increment in their productivity (Bateman and Snell, 2013). In this case, the
followers are able to focus on completing their tasks and productivity of the division will
improve. Followers of this style would feel more trust and build a close relationship with
their leaders with helping in fostering better team work.
 Behavioural leadership: This style aids in understanding and changing human
behaviours. It is mainly utilised in motivating change in the long and short term. This
also tries to adjust behaviours by aiding people in thinking differently and positively
about the challenges faced by them. As a result, this style builds the level of confidence
in their followers.
 Trait theory: This theory is gratifying by nature and provides constructive information
about leadership. A lot of research have been done and validated the foundation and
the basis of theory and it is applicable for all types of corporations. Managers can use
the information from the theory and can easily measure their positions in the firm
(Annesi and Marti, 2011). This also assist them in strengthening their position in the
organisation. It act as a yardstick against which the leadership traits of someone can
be assessed. They can get in higher depth of understanding of their identity and the
way they will impacts on performance of another in firm. This also help managers in
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knowing their strength and weaknesses and as a result they can also improve their
qualities of leadership. It provides an elaborated knowledge and understanding of the
elements of leader in the process of leadership.
 Contingency theory: By applying this approach, a firm can assure that the project has
access to the people who are tailoring to accomplish the project as per the wishes of
clients (Ahmad and Raza, 2011). Another advantage is that it is applicable in both
small and large corporations, where it can be able to give combined solutions
irrespective of the scope of the project. It would be effective only when a venture have
total control over the roles and behaviours of their workers.
 System theory : The main advantages of this theory are listed as below:
◦ It gives a systematic and efficient plan of action.
◦ It also provides a good basis of control.
◦ It focuses on end results besides of the means.
◦ It give freedom to management from different details of operations management.
Justification that whether Jobs would have been the right person for Apple during the
times ahead or does company now require more of a ‘manager’ than a ‘leader’
Yes, Steve Jobs have been the right person for the Apple. But now as he is no more in
this world. So, the corporation now requires a leader than a manager because managers do not
think sometimes for a long term as per the marketing environment. But a leader will think of
about the firm or its future for a long period of time. Leadership is the most influential and critical
elements of each and every business. As they are responsible for making strategies and invent
innovation based products. As Jobs had done in his life time. Effectual leaders have essential
tools and skills for inspiring and impacting their team and also allows ventures to run with
competence and smoothness.
A good leader would make new mission statement, objectives, ambitions and action plan
of Apple. This as a result aids in leading the workforce effectively. A new leader will build the
confidence level of team members of corporation again by motivating their workers and boost
up their energy level. A better leader would improve the loyalty and commitment of employees
towards their firm. Therefore, it assist in inspiring them to work harder and achieve their goals.
They also attempt to generate and sustain self-confidence and enthusiasm among their
employees. He gives suggestion and guidance to enable the subordinates capable in
recognising their abilities and qualities. Leaders will act as both the counsellor and a coach and
sets examples for others. So, it can be concluded that a good leader is very essential in and
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serves as a paternal figure and members can achieve strength and security by recognising
emotionally with them.
CONCLUSION
From the above based report, it can be concluded that Steve Jobs was the most
powerful and effective leader as well as manager. Report has shown that success of Apple is
only because of him. There are various characteristics of Steve that helped him to drive Apple in
forward direction such as strong vision, leadership, wonderful thinking, exceptional influence
and supervisor of tough time which has been explained in this project. But as now he is not
more in this world, the corporation needs a good leader that provides guidance and motivates
the employees in achieving their goal. Overall, it has been assessed from the report that Steve
Jobs was a successful leader. However, in the present scenario, all his leadership traits may not
work to lead a team as he was an autocratic leader while people now a days want to work in a
friendly environment where they can share their views and ideas.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Ahmad, S. and Raza, M. A., 2011. Impact of leadership style of educational administrators on
use of educational technology. Academic Research International. 1(3). p.107.
Annesi, J. J. and Marti, C. N., 2011. Path analysis of exercise treatment-induced changes in
psychological factors leading to weight loss. Psychology & health. 26(8).pp.1081-1098.
Bateman, T. S. and Snell, S., 2013. Management: Leading & collaborating in a competitive
world. McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Fullan, M., 2014. Leading in a culture of change personal action guide and workbook. John
Wiley & Sons.
Hughes, M., 2016. Leading changes: Why transformation explanations fail. Leadership. 12(4).
pp.449-469.
Kumar, R. D., 2013. Leadership in healthcare. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine. 14(1).
pp.39-41.
Martinez, M., Delivet-Mongrain, H. and Rossignol, S., 2013. Treadmill training promotes spinal
changes leading to locomotor recovery after partial spinal cord injury in cats. Journal of
neurophysiology. 109(12). pp.2909-2922.
Miniño, A. M. and Murphy, S. L., 2013. Death in the United States, 2011 (No. 115). US
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
National Center for Health Statistics.
Mujtaba, B. G. and Sungkhawan, J., 2011. Situational leadership and diversity management
coaching skills. Journal of Diversity Management (JDM). 4(1). pp.1-12.
Novac, C. and Bratanov, C. I., 2014. The impact of the leadership style on the organizational
climate in a public entity. Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy.
2(1).p.155.
Schreuder, J.A. and et. al., 2011. Leadership styles of nurse managers and registered sickness
absence among their nursing staff. Health care management review. 36(1).pp.58-66.
Yaghoubi, N.M. and et. al., 2011. Information technology infrastructures and knowledge
management: Towards organizational excellence. Computer and Information Science.
4(5). p.20.
Online
Benefits of Good Leadership in Business and Role of Good Leadership in Business Success.
2017. [Online]. Available through: <http://rapidboostmarketing.com/benefits-of-good-
leadership-in-business-and-role-of-good-leadership-in-business-success/>. [Accessed
on 12th September 2017].
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APPENDIX
Appendix 1
From the above graph, it can concluded that Apple is gaining profit as its revenue
or sales as well as its net income is increasing year on year.
Appendix 2
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Figure 3: Key leadership theories
(Source: Key Leadership Theories: Helping identify Areas to Improve Your
Leadership Skills, 2016)

The different types of theories used by Job Steve are contingency, behaviour,
trait as well as power and influence theory.
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