The Handbook of Knowledge-Based Coaching: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

CHARACTERISTICS AND ROLE MODELS FOR LEADERSHIP: DRUCKER, BENNIS, COLLINS, AND WHEATLEY

Early studies of leadership were heavily influenced by behavioral psychology. Researchers sought to find the qualities necessary for leadership by studying leadership as a set of behaviors and attempting to differentiate leaders from followers and, later, leaders from managers. While some characteristics were found to be more consistent with a leadership role, there was also evidence to suggest that one’s success or failure as a leader would be influenced by the situation. What has emerged over the years is a range of leadership theories that variously emphasize situation (social psychology), personal traits (human behavior and adult development), and cultural ...