Leadership Philosophy: A Study on Barack Obama's Strategies

This essay provides an in-depth analysis of Barack Obama's leadership philosophy, examining various leadership theories such as the Great Man Theory, Contingency Theory, and Participatory Theory, as applied by Obama during his presidency. It focuses on his governance strategies, including economic policies implemented after the 2008 recession, initiatives in education and healthcare, and foreign policy decisions like the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. The essay highlights Obama's communication skills and his efforts to connect with the American people, reflecting his use of Participatory and Relational Theories. It contrasts Obama's approach with that of Donald Trump, particularly in addressing economic and social issues. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding Obama's leadership style to promote positive relationships and societal advancement. The essay also touches upon the current challenges faced by the US, including international hostilities and economic concerns, and how Obama's leadership could offer insights for addressing these issues.

Running Head: LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY: A STUDY ON BARACK OBAMA
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY: A STUDY ON BARACK OBAMA
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1LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY: A STUDY ON BARACK OBAMA
A STUDY ON THE LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHIES OF BARACK
OBAMA
The leadership theories consist of various theories like the Great Man Theory,
Contingency Theory, Situational and Behavioral Theory, Bureaucratic Theory, Participatory
Theory, Transactional Theory, Relational and Skills Theory. Barack Obama is a live example
of a leader who broke all social and psychological barriers to lead United States of America
in the modern times. It essentially focusses on the governance strategies undertaken by the
President to uplift the economy after the recession in 2008 besides building and enforcing
policies that aid to the development of education and medical care facilities and education
that boosts the community life and socio-economic status of the common people. The
application of proper tax cuts and subsidies besides withdrawal of armed forces from the
regions of Iraq, Afghanistan and the killing of Osama-bin-Laden has helped in the
establishment of peace on the international front. The marvelous communication abilities and
personality of Barack Obama has led to the spread of messages that will help in establishment
of a good rapport between the people and the government where the leader is a representation
of the people and not of power. Presently, the people of America are not in a beneficial
situation with rising hostilities in the international sphere, bundled with negative effects on
trade (both export and import), economy (recession, high cost of living and unemployment),
automobile industry (deterioration in growth and unemployment), healthcare facilities and
education (very costly). However, Trump had promised the protection of domestic industries
and revival of Obamacare but that seems to have affected the American economy negatively.
On the contrary, Obama made efforts to come down to the level of the people and work with
them, understanding their problems and dealing with them, even before he was a President, in
his native place, Illinois. This reflected Participatory and Relational Theory that he used in

2LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY: A STUDY ON BARACK OBAMA
his leadership practice to develop healthy relations with other nations and promote
positivism.