KMGT 633 - Leadership: Analysis of Buffett and Gandhi Styles

This essay provides a comparative analysis of the leadership styles of Warren Buffett and Mahatma Gandhi. It identifies Buffett as a transactional leader with laissez-faire and democratic tendencies, emphasizing his trust in employees and hands-off approach. Gandhi is portrayed as a transformational leader, known for his non-violence, equality, and ability to inspire followers towards a common goal of Indian independence. The essay contrasts their approaches, noting Gandhi's situational leadership and Buffett's delegation-focused style, influenced by their respective environments. It also reflects on the applicability of leadership theory in daily life, particularly the importance of situational awareness and contingency planning for business leaders. This document is available on Desklib, a platform offering a range of study tools and solved assignments for students.

LEADERSHIP 0
IDENTIFYING LEADERS
LEADERSHIP
7/19/2018

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QUESTION 1
Warren Edward Buffet is one of the famous transactional business leaders of USA. His
positive traits differentiate him from that of other business leaders. His passionate nature,
dedication towards his work, building team spirit, honest, transparency, self-knowledge,
humble, magnetic and down to earth personality leaves a positive influence. He motivates his
employees with trust and has the quality of forbearance. His leadership style is laissez -fair,
democratic, self, –powered and servant leader. His leadership style gives liberty to his
employees to carry out their work without much interference and guidance of the respective
leaders (CNBC, 2018).
Mahatma Gandhi also known as Father of nation of India was a transformational leader who
played a significant role in the freedom of India. His non-violence, equality, truth, justice,
and honesty. His extreme quality of patience and forbearance make him an ideal leader for
Indians. He was daring, caring, and calm and composed. He successfully protested against
Britishers and forced them to leave India in the year 1947. He inspired his fellow citizens
positively and motivates them to fight for their rights (Personalitydevelopmenttip, 2016).
Leadership styles of leaders vary it may be transactional or transformational as per the choice
of leader (Antonakis and House, 2014). The above qualities of both the leaders make them a
good and an ideal leader.
QUESTION 2
The approach of two leaders differs from each other. Gandhi’s leadership style was
situational and was dependent on the circumstances. He was aware of the fact that the country
people cannot fight from the Britishers with force. He encourages unity and equality among
the citizens. He influences his followers positively towards the achievement of common goal
of the freedom of India (Fatherofthenation, 2018). Whereas as a businessperson Warren
Buffet adopted laissez faire style, in which employees can carry out their work and make
decisions on their own without any interference of their leaders. He gives full liberty to his
employees to follow any kind of technique towards the achievement of organizational goal.
He has not introduced any kind of strict rules to be followed at workplace
(TheWashingtonPost, 2015).
The impact of Gandhi on their followers was positive irrespective of caste; creed, sex, and
religion Indian citizens supported Gandhi and follow his policy of non-violence and non-
cooperation. He was able to attract large number of citizens. Warren Buffet’s impact was also
favorable towards his employees as a positive motivator, philanthropist, humble person and
democratic leader his employees appreciate his forward thinking a lot (Northouse, 2013).
QUESTION 3
Yes Of course, the differences in the approach of a business and a non- business leader are
due to the environment in which they live. As it can be easily seen, that Gandhi was living in
an environment, which was under the control of Britishers and Warren Buffet lives in a

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democratic environment so both the leaders adopted policy as per the requirement of their
surroundings.
QUESTION 4
The knowledge of leadership theory as a business leader can be easily applied in daily life.
Situational leadership approach can be of great help in business. As we know a business
leader faces several ups and down in life. He must react and adjust according to prevailing
situation and make contingencies plan in order to avoid adversity.

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REFERENCES
Antonakis, J., and House, R.J. (2014) Instrumental leadership: measurement and extension of
transformational-transactional leadership theory. Leadership quarterly, 25(4), pp. 746-771.
Cnbc. (2018) Why Warren Buffet is such an influential leader. [Online] Available from:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/23/why-warren-buffett-is-such-an-influential-leader-
according-to-data.html [Accessed 19/07/2018]
Fatherofthenation. (2018) Leadership style: Transformational Leader. [Online] Available
from: https://fatherofthenation.weebly.com/leadership-style.html [Accessed 19/07/2018]
Northouse, P.G. (2013) Leadership theory and practice. 6th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE
Publications.
Personalitydevelopmenttip. (2016) Leadership qualities of Mahatma Gandhi. [Online]
Available from: http://www.personalitydevelopmenttip.com/Leadership-Qualities-Of-
Mahatma-Gandhi [Accessed 19/07/2018]
TheWashingtonPost. (2015) The leadership wisdom of Warren Buffet. [Online] Available
from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-leadership/wp/2015/03/02/the-leadership-
wisdom-in-warren-buffetts-letter/?utm_term=.cd3e0afb29fb [Accessed 19/07/2018]