Historical Views of Leadership Studies

So far we have learned that leadership is contextual and relational and we have considered how we, and  well-known leadership commentators, define leadership. But what ways of thinking and theories have shaped these definitions? There have really been two categories of leadership studies that have emerged over time: the classical and modern periods. Let’s learn more about these two periods of leadership studies and how the theories within these periods have shaped our contemporary understanding of leadership. 

The classical period of leadership studies

The classical period of leadership studies occurred prior to the twentieth century. Its academic theories attempted to articulate the ethical nature of leadership largely via documenting character studies and examining the biographies of influential leaders throughout history. Classical theories of leadership emphasized these elements of leadership often via the teaching of proverbs and anecdotal accounts of leaders.

Most of these elements relate to the internal aspects of a person and their maturity. Classical theories foreground the idea that leaders’ character development is essential to their ability to take on the responsibility of leadership.

Classical leadership principles and theories

Navigate through these interactive cards, by selecting the arrows, to learn more about what the classical principles and theories of leadership assume and propose about leadership. Select Turn to read about each principle or theory.

In summary, the essence of the classical theories of leadership studies emphasizes the individual leader as central to effective leadership. And assumes that the leader knows what is best for the masses in order to achieve a specific agenda. Relationships are to serve the agenda because the masses don’t really know what they in fact need.