Leadership Report: Theoretical, Contextual, and Pragmatic Analysis

This report delves into the multifaceted nature of leadership, examining three primary dimensions: theoretical, contextual, and pragmatic leadership. The theoretical section explores foundational concepts such as the Great Man theory, trait theory, behavioral theory, contingency theory, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and charismatic leadership, providing a comprehensive overview of historical and contemporary perspectives. The contextual leadership segment emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership styles to organizational environments, highlighting the interplay between leaders and their contexts. Finally, the pragmatic leadership section examines the practical application of leadership principles. The report aims to enhance the understanding of leadership dynamics and their impact on organizational effectiveness. This report is contributed by a student and is available on Desklib, a platform offering AI-based study tools for students.

LEADERSHIP

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Theoretical Leadership...........................................................................................................3
Contextual Leadership............................................................................................................6
Pragmatic Leadership.............................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Leadership can be referred as the action or attempt for leading group of people within an
organisation (Xenikou, 2017). The leaders generally focus on bringing influences in the business
activities and also on the employee's performance level in order to effectively accomplish the
organisational goals and objectives. Leadership is said to have various or multiple dimensions
and is considered as challenging topic for understanding as because its comprehension is
differently coded by different persons who studies it. The present report will explain about three
main sections including theoretical leadership, contextual leadership and pragmatic leadership.
The reasons will be explained in detail about why one need to study these sections of leadership.
Theoretical Leadership
Theoretical approaches to leadership helps in identifying and understanding the basic
elements of leadership (The Major Leadership Theories, 2019). The reason to study on the
leadership topic or subject can be identified after gaining understanding about the theoretical
perspectives of leadership. Theoretical perspectives of leaders help in exhibiting the evolution of
the thoughts and also helps in developing the thinking process from one leadership dimension to
another (Willis, Clarke and O'Connor, 2017). One of the most important reason for studying and
learning the theoretical leadership perspective is that it will help in enhancing the theoretical
knowledge about the leadership topic. And this theoretical knowledge can effectively assist in
the field of education.
Great Man theory describes that individuals are born leaders and no one can learn to
become a leader. This means that persons are born with some specific characteristics that makes
them leader. Upbringing and education are just the factors that helps in shaping the abilities and
skills of leaders. Experience is also considered as one of the factors that shapes the leaders'
capability. The great man theory is based on the great man's or influential hero's trait including
Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Mao Tse Tung, Kamal Ataurk and Mahatma Gandhi (Turnnidge
and Côté, 2018). This theory holds no scientific validity but it needs to be studied because it is
considered as the starting point for effectively understanding and gaining knowledge about
which of the human traits or characteristics lead to make great and effective leaders. This
theoretical perspective of leadership assumes that characteristics or traits of leadership are
intrinsic (Shamir, Arthur and House, 2018). Thus, the reason behind studying and implementing

the great man theory it holds various examples of great leaders and hero's that makes it is easy
for understanding the theoretical perspectives of leaders. This can also be implemented for
explaining the theoretical leadership to others through easy-story telling.
Trait theory of leadership is considered as the oldest theoretical approach that aims at
highlighting the personality traits of the effective and successful leaders. Personal characteristic
and the traits of person makes him leader and also different from their team members. There are
various traits that makes person different from others. Such as person's moral characteristics,
social traits, their intelligence and creativity mind-sets (Schyns and Riggio, 2016). The trait
theory needs to be studied as this theory describes that great and successful leaders are born with
specific given abilities that makes them different from others. The reason for studying trait
leadership theory is its clarity that makes it easy for understanding. Ease to understand makes it
easy for implementing as well. For example, the trait approach to leadership has also set some
benchmarks that makes it easy for understanding about what one will require for becoming the
leaders. This theory is important to be studied for understanding the inherent traits and
characteristics of effective and successful leaders.
The another theoretical perspectives of leadership can be identified by the Behavioural
theory (Oc, 2018). This theory is based on that effective leaders are not born but they are made
by developing certain qualities and traits. The behavioural theory focuses on the behaviours of
leader rather than their traits or characteristics. This perspective of leadership needs to studied
for understanding the actions and efforts of leaders instead of their internal traits. The reason for
studying this theoretical aspect of leadership is for identifying about the determining the actions
and activities of effective and successful leaders (Zareen, Razzaq and Mujtaba, 2015). For
example, the studies and learning in the theoretical leadership perspective will help the
individual to learn about how leaders effectively delegate the activities or tasks, their
communication style, their way to motivate team members and also about their way for carrying
out their activities. Thus, the main reason for studying the theoretical perspectives of leadership
and behavioural theory is because this makes effective contribution for the understanding the
leadership and its effectiveness (Dartey-Baah, 2015).
Contingency theory is based on that there is no best way for leading and thus, leadership
style needs to be based on the demands of current situation. According to the contingency theory,
no style can be best suitable for the various situations of the business. The reason for studying

this theoretical perspective of leadership is that it will help in identifying and implementing the
best and suitable styles for various situations happening in the organisation. Individuals can
study about this theoretical perspective is that they can find out the perfect balance between the
needs, behaviour and context of the situation (Northouse, 2018). Thus, the contingency theory
can be considered as the combination of various key variables of leadership aspects. This theory
focuses on the requirements of task and activities. Individuals studying on this topic can focus on
the behaviour and expectations of peers. For example, leaders implementing contingency theory
puts great emphasis and focus on the policies and culture of the business organisation. Thus, it is
very important to study the contingency theory and the reason behind this is that leaders are able
for assessing the needs and wants of their followers, they tend to take stock of organisational
situations and then leaders accordingly change their actions and behaviour (Northouse, 2017).
After understanding the contingency theory of leadership, it can be concluded that successful
outcomes and results generally depends on different variables including the situational aspects,
leadership style and follower's quality.
Transformational leadership theory describes that effective leaders have the capability for
changing and transforming the behaviour, expectations and perception of their followers. The
leaders implementing transformational theory can effectively direct their followers towards the
common objectives that can also achieve the vision of leaders. Such leaders generally have the
influential and charismatic personality (Nawaz and Khan_ PhD, 2016). The reason behind
studying this section of leadership topic can be used for encouraging others for achieving the
common goals and objective, and creating a powerful effect on the perception and behaviour of
followers. Through transformational leadership theory, leaders can easily interact with other
peoples and they have the ability for creating strong relationship which can result in building up
high level of trust. Thus, transformational theory can be implemented for increasing the
motivation level among the followers or employees.
Transactional theory can be characterised as the transaction between followers and
leaders. The transactional leadership theory values mutual and positive and also beneficial
relationship (Miner, 2015). The reason for studying this leadership perspective is that it leads to
motivate and encourage the followers or team members for performing the task activities within
the expected levels. Such leaders focus on enforcing strict rules and regulations and also requires
obedience at the workplace. The structured hierarchy needs to be present for transactional

approach of leadership. And it is expected from team members for surrendering all sovereignty
and independence to the team leader. According to the transactional theory, employees or
followers can only be motivated through rewards and punishment concepts (Transactional
Leadership Theory, 2019). The reason for studying and understanding about the transactional
leadership approach is that it can be implemented for bringing out the maximum potential of the
employees as it is based on the mature interactions between leaders and followers (Havermans
and et.al., 2015).
Charismatic leadership approach or theory states that successful and effective leaders
possess exceptional and extraordinary qualities or traits that makes them different from others.
The reason for studying the charismatic leadership theory is that they can effectively foresee the
future possibilities. This leadership theory is based on key principles i.e. inspirational motivation
and idealized influence. The leaders who implement and follows the charismatic theory can
effectively communicate and interact with their followers for gaining the admiration. Typically,
such leader possesses emotional sensitivity and also puts emphasis on the social ties. They can
effectively maintain emotional control in various business situations which may cause tense,
troubling or stress emotions (Charismatic Leadership: The Good, Bad, and Best Practices,
2019). For example, activist or political leaders are generally characterized by the charismatic
leadership theory. The reason for studying the charismatic theory can be that it can help in
improving the productivity and profitability of organisation. As because through this leadership
perspective, leaders can effectively build trust among followers and employees, increase their
loyalty and trust and then they can also move towards innovation. The charismatic leadership
also possess the ability for establishing learning culture within the organisation
(Ghasabeh, Soosay and Reaiche, 2015). The main reason for studying the leadership topic is that
its theoretical perspective i.e., charismatic leadership can be used for combining power with
warmth and enhancing the communication practices within the organisation. One can become
effective and active listener as charismatic leaders have the skill for making others feel that their
words are valued and it matters as well.
Contextual Leadership
Contextual leadership can be defined as the ability for leading the business situation that
evolves from the different environments of business. The contextual leadership approach aims
on shifting the focus from leaders' traits and characteristics to relationship between leaders and

context in which they generally lead. Through the contextual leadership perspectives, leaders
gain the ability for changing their leadership styles to adapt to the culture and context of the
business organisation (Deichmann and Stam, 2015). The leaders do have the ability for
understanding and capitalizing on the environmental trends. And they also possesses the ability
for envision any new or unique enterprise idea and products, then optimizing and re-imaging the
current existing enterprise. For example, Steve Jobs has the qualities as he is capable for
envisioning the unique business idea and to optimize it effectively and re-imagine the current
business.
The reason for studying the leadership topic and its contextual perspective is that it can
help in approaching the leadership in new and different way. Contextual perspective of
leadership determines organisation's internal and external factors. Thus, through the contextual
perspectives, leaders can gain effective knowledge and understanding about internal and external
factors of the business (Contextual Leadership, 2017). Different leadership styles and skills are
required for different contexts within the business organisation. The different roles and
responsibilities are played by the leaders in the business organisation in the different contexts.
They focus on building the collaborative capacity of the business organisation so that business
have the easy flow of ides and information throughout all levels. The leaders generally asks great
questions in relation to the various challenges and context of business in order to gain knowledge
about the leadership topic. Thus, these above mentioned are the reason for studying the
leadership topic and also its contextual perspective.
The understanding and gaining knowledge in the leadership topic and its contextual
perspectives is very important and vital for the leaders to become effective and successful
leaders. Through the contextual leadership perspective, one can have the ability for seeing
through the complexities and finding clear directions or solutions to the current context of the
business environment (Antonakis and Day, 2017). Through studying about contextual leaders,
one can seem for having a keen grasp for putting the right people and right resource at the right
time and right place within the organisation. In simple words, it can be said that contextual
leadership makes the leaders to have the intuitive diagnostic knowledge and skill which helps
them for effectively aligning the required people and resources to the objectives. For example,
the CEO of Apple Corporation i.e. Steve Jobs has the keen skills and ability for pinpointing the
customers trend (Amanchukwu, Stanley and Ololube, 2015). Uber, Airbnb and Apple are among

the successful organisations that are built on leading the trends before customers were aware
about their needs.
Leadership and management gets affected and influenced by many factors or context of
the business. Thus, by studying about the contextual factors of the leadership can help the leaders
to effectively manage the organisation and lead people. The contextual perspective of leadership
is way for categorising the external and internal factors, attributes of community, employees and
the organisational structure or culture that may affect the process of leadership. Thus by studying
the contextual perspectives, leaders can succeed in effectively leading and managing people of
the organisation as they anticipate the needs of employees and different business situation on the
basis of contextual information.
The contextual approach of Leadership put emphasis on the importance of various
environmental factors of the business including political factors, legal elements, social factors
and technological factors as well. These elements leads to bring influences on the leaders and
leadership element. The contextual leadership is a broad concept for integrating the leadership
system within the environment which explores strategic decision making practices of business.
The reason for studying the contextual side of leadership is that it helps in understanding the
business context effectively and characteristics of physical business environment can be
observed as well that may lead to bring influences on the leaders and their way of leading (Bauer
and et.al., 2019). For example, the technological factors of the business environment enables the
organisation to gain effective benefits in form of increasing the productivity and profitability of
company. Then company plans to bring technological changes by implementing new equipments
and machineries, thus, this changes in the business context may bring influences on the
leadership aspect as well. The leaders need to accordingly make changes in way of leading and
adopt to different leadership style.
The reason for studying and understanding the contextual perspective of leadership is that
it helps the leaders to understand and analyse the dynamic interactions between the change
variable of the business. Leaders can understand the need for change and accept the
organisational change because of the understanding of the contextual side of the leadership as
this also provides guidance for various elements and context as well which might affect the
organisation in future. The main reason behind studying the contextual side of leadership is to
gain effective knowledge for effectively handling the business situations or organisational

changes. Through the contextual leadership perspectives, leaders can also mitigate the risk and
challenges that business organisation might face in the future.
Pragmatic Leadership
The reasons to study pragmatic approach is because it crosses the minds of the people
with positive psychology, mindfulness and leadership style that is positive. A recent survey
shows that it is the need to study this style of leadership in order to drive solutions to new issues.
It can help in solving and facing challenges which the organization can face. Happy employees
are ore productive and therefore the pragmatic leadership can help in providing solutions to
many problems (Cairns-Lee, 2015). This study is the application of positive psychology in the
workplace to fight human challenges. The main reason to study this is to enable the organization
and the leaders to know and analyse the behaviour and focusing on strengths of the company
rather than weaknesses and limitations. It helps in developing the understanding to achieve
unexpected results. The other reason to study this approach is to understand how people work,
how they perform their activities effectively and how the leaders of the organization can design
new structures to achieve more performance goals. This focuses on humans and their optimum
utilization in achieving business objectives. As pragmatist, there are 3 things that at need to be
considered. The first concept which focuses on the reason that why one need to study this theory
is that it create the conditions which helps in enabling the performance. It focuses on how to get
maximum out of the people. It focuses on the environment as well as team and set conditions on
basis of that to optimize the performance. The management of culture in the organization directly
impact on the retention and happiness of the employees. For that purpose being a pragmatic
leader, an individual need to create right conditions for the performance and let them perform.
The other reason to study this approach that it helps in finding out the result that what de
motivates the employees of the company (Fiaz, 2017). . It is a difficult thing to do but this
approach suggests that one need to communicate with energy, clarity as well as focus to their
employees so that they can get motivated which can drive them to perform well. It suggests that
an individual needs to spend the time in analysing the team of the organization and can see their
social communication skills which can create positive environment in the organization and in
case something they find fishy or demotivating, they need to change it.
The other aspect and reason to study this approach is that it helps in improving self and
preparing self in a way that people fit automatically in a challenge that they will face in the line

of work. In case if the employees re efficient enough to work hard and deal with high workload
then organization need to provide them with tools for making their work easy. It suggests that
employees need to be allotted with tools and techniques to improve and not just to deal with the
situations.
The reasons to be a pragmatic leader and to study this approach is that this leaders are
improvisation master which means they keep on improving their methods of working, managing
followers and technology they are suing for better results. They are emotionless and numb in
most business project and that is why they can take rational decisions without getting affected
emotionally. They do not let emotions come in their way and take decisions which are best for
their company Priest (2017). They are task driven leaders who get energy an enthusiasm by
preforming tasks. They perform their task like anything with full efficiency and hard work to get
the effective result for their company. They have minimal human skills as they are emotionless,
they are unable to take care of their followers and just expect them to follow orders. They do not
give attention to problems and feelings of its followers which leads to dissatisfaction among
them. They are distant in nature mean they are reserved and do not like to talk and communicate
with people until and unless its related to work. They are secretive in nature and do not like to
share or to listen to persona problems as the think it affects their work. They are result driven and
focus on getting results by working hard (Arnold and et.al, 2015).
The most important characteristic to be a pragmatic leader is to focus on the organisation
in which they are working rather than individuals. They know how to face the realities of the
business environment. They understand the truth and accept it whether good or bad. Thy put
right people at right positions to get the job done (Sørensen, 2016). They make realistic decisions
and delegate responsibilities to the people they trust. They may not be exciting as other type of
leaders but know how to get their jobs done. They are the most effective leaders when
organisations are going through rough phase and is working in dynamic environment. They see
the future vision and make amendments in the working process of the organisation according to
the need of the changing environment and achieve success. The reasons to study this approach is
to be successful in business, be rational, make logical decisions and be confident about it and to
survive and sustain the business in dynamic environment.
At last, it can be said that pragmatic approach is essential to study as it focuses on
greatest asset which are the people of organization. It helps in knowing the leader that what

motivates them, preparing them for what is expected in future, empowering the to take
ownership.
CONCLUSION
The report explains about the leadership concepts in detail. Leadership is described in
three sections within the report, such as theoretical leadership, contextual leadership and
pragmatic leadership. The theoretical leadership is based on the theories and models of
leadership. The important reasons for studying the theoretical perspectives of leadership are
briefly defined. Then contextual leadership is explained and the reasons for studying this
perspective of leadership is also explained in details. Contextual leadership is important to be
studied as this can be used for envision the unique business and also for optimising and re-
imagine the existing enterprise. Further the pragmatic leadership is discussed using specific
examples and the importance and reasons for studying this topic is also briefly discussed. And
through the pragmatic leadership, people can be improvisation masters and bring out effective
results in the organisation.

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