University Research Paper: Comparing Incompetent and Greedy Leaders

This research paper delves into the detrimental effects of both incompetent and self-serving leaders on organizations and the economy. It explores the contrasting characteristics of incompetent leaders, who lack the necessary skills to manage effectively, and greedy leaders, who prioritize their own needs over those of the enterprise. The paper highlights real-life examples, such as Donald Trump and Elizabeth Holmes, to illustrate these leadership styles and their consequences. Furthermore, it discusses the broader economic implications, including market crashes and job losses. The paper concludes that both types of leaders are harmful to society, advocating for ethical practices and competent leadership to ensure successful enterprises and a healthy economic environment. The provided references support the analysis, offering insights from various management and leadership experts.

Running head: RESEARCH PAPER
RESEARCH PAPER
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1RESEARCH PAPER
Introduction
The study is based on understanding whether the incompetence of management and
leadership skills is worse than the self-care and greed (Drucker, 2018 ; Finnie & Abraham,
2002). A leader is required to be competent enough to manage the different operations of the
firm. Hence, the study is focused on understanding whether an incompetent leader is worse or a
leader with self-serving needs and personal greed is worse. Both these aspects which are present
in a leader can be considered to be destructive for the enterprise and understanding this can be
considered to be essential for the enterprise as it helps in identifying poor leaders and replacing
them with better ones so as to ensure successful enterprises (Drucker, 1971; Finnie & Abraham,
2002).
Content
Incompetence vs Competence
The competency can be rightfully defined as a skill with respect to which a leader is
being able to perform well and is being able to manage the enterprise in an adequate manner
(Drucker, 1971; Finnie & Abraham, 2002). In association with this, the incompetency can be
referred as to the inability of a leader to manage the different organizational operations (Drucker,
1971). A sound leader is required to be competent in nature (Ginebra, 2013; Finnie & Abraham,
2002).
Greed and Self-serving needs
The Greed can be mentioned to be one of the sins whereby a person wants more from
themselves and may go to any extent to achieve their wants (Drucker, 1971 Finnie & Abraham,

2RESEARCH PAPER
2002). On the other hand, the self-serving needs are the needs whereby a leader focuses on the
needs of the own and not the needs of the firm (Drucker, 2001).
Real life examples
An example of a Self-serving and greedy leader can be given of the United States
President, Mr. Donald Trump who has formulated strategies fulfilling personal needs(Ginebra,
2013). On the other hand, Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos is an incompetent leader who
was unable to ensure entrepreneur success (Fortune.com ,2020).
Effects of incompetent and self-serving leaders on the economy
According to Collins and Hansen (2011), the incompetency of a leader often has a very
critical influence on the organization as the overall goals of the enterprise are not necessarily
attained. This is because; the leader does not have the adequate capability to manage the
enterprise in an adequate manner (Collins, 2009, Finnie & Abraham, 2002). In relation to this, it
is effective to mention that, on one hand there are incompetent leaders present whereas on the
other hand, there exist self-serving leaders who are catering to just their own needs and do not
care about the needs of the enterprise (Ginebra, 2013; Collins, 2009). These lead to the
destruction of the economy, crash in the stock market, loss of jobs and economic environment
(Finnie & Abraham, 2002). According to Collins (2009), these types of leaders destroy the
workplace environment, the employee morale’s and in association with this, lead to the overall
destruction of the country and its national income.
Conclusion

3RESEARCH PAPER
Hence, it can be understood that both the incompetent leaders and the self-serving and
greedy leaders are bad for the society. On one hand the greedy leaders restore to unethical means
in order to achieve entrepreneurial success, on the other hand, the various incompetent leaders
lead to the poor performance of the entire economy and enterprise.

4RESEARCH PAPER
References
Collins, J. (2009). Good to Great-(Why Some Companies Make the Leap and others Don't).
Collins, J., & Hansen, M. T. (2011). Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos and Luck-Why some
thrive despite them all. Random House.
Drucker, P. (2001). The essential Drucker: The best of sixty years of Peter Drucker’s essential
writing son managment. No se indica ciudad: Harper Collins.
Drucker, P. (2018). Essential Drucker. Routledge.
Drucker, P. F. (1971). Drucker on management. Management Publications.
Finnie, W. C., & Abraham, S. C. (2002). Getting from good to great: a conversation with Jim
Collins. Strategy & Leadership.
Fortune.com (2020). Most disappointing leaders [online]. Available at:
https://fortune.com/2016/03/30/most-disappointing-leaders/ (Retrieved on: 27 Feb. 2020).
Ginebra, G. (2013). Managing Incompetence: An Innovative Approach for Dealing with People.
American Society for Training and Development.