Revisiting Classical and Contemporary Leadership Theories: An Analytical Perspective on Gender and Organizational Dynamics

Authors

  • Rosemary Romakala Mwanza Banda The University of Zambia, Graduate School of Business, Lusaka, Zambia Author
  • Dr. Austin Mwange The University of Zambia, Graduate School of Business, Lusaka, Zambia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8568-3063

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59413/ajocs/v6.i2.8

Keywords:

Concepts, Functions, Leadership Theories, Objectives, Organization, Positions, Skills

Abstract

When the individuals are acquiring leadership positions in various types of organizations, they need to be well-equipped in terms of the theories of leadership. These theories mainly put emphasis upon the methods, approaches and leadership styles that need to be put into practice to achieve the desired goals and objectives. The main objective of leadership theories is to make provision of knowledge in terms of qualities of leaders. The first theory is the trait theory. The second theory is the behavior theory, which puts emphasis upon the behavior and conduct of the leaders. The third theory is the contingency model. The fourth theory is, transaction theory of leadership. The fifth theory is, transformational theory. All the five types of leadership theories make provision of information to the leaders in terms of measures and approaches to carry out their job duties in an effectual manner and in leading to effective growth and development of the individuals and organization as a whole. In this research paper, another aspect that has been taken into account is, context of gender in leadership. This aspect puts emphasis upon the fact that in the present existence, the women too are focusing upon up-gradation of their skills and abilities in such a manner that they are acquiring leadership positions. Therefore, it can be stated, acquiring an efficient understanding in terms of leadership theories is regarded as meaningful and advantageous to the human resources and the organization as a whole.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Eagly, A. H., & Heilman, M. E. (2016). Gender and leadership: Introduction to the special issue. The Leadership Quarterly, 27(3), 349–353. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2016.04.002

Haber-Curran, P., & Beatty, C. (2023). A research agenda for gender and leadership. In A Research Agenda for Gender and Leadership (pp. 1–14). Edward Elgar Publishing.

Schedlitzki, D., Ahonen, P., Wankhade, P., Edwards, G., & Gaggiotti, H. (2017). Working with language: A refocused research agenda for cultural leadership studies. International Journal of Management Reviews, 19(2), 237–257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12100

Shen, W., & Joseph, D. L. (2021). Gender and leadership: A criterion-focused review and research agenda. Human Resource Management Review, 31(2), 100765. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100765

Tan, S. J., & DeFrank-Cole, L. (2023). A research agenda for gender and leadership. Edward Elgar Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800883826

Eagly, A. H., Johannesen-Schmidt, M. C., & Van Engen, M. L. (2003). Transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles: A meta-analysis comparing women and men. Psychological Bulletin, 129(4), 569–591. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.4.569

Carli, L. L., & Eagly, A. H. (2011). Gender and leadership. In The SAGE Handbook of Gender and Psychology (pp. 127–146). SAGE Publications Ltd.

Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. SAGE Publications.

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). Pearson.

Downloads

Published

2025-03-27

How to Cite

Banda, R. R. M. ., & Mwange, A. . (2025). Revisiting Classical and Contemporary Leadership Theories: An Analytical Perspective on Gender and Organizational Dynamics. African Journal of Commercial Studies, 6(2), 90-98. https://doi.org/10.59413/ajocs/v6.i2.8

Article PlumX Metrics

PlumX Metrics

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >>