Leadership: Definitions, Features and Importance of Leadership!
Leadership is another important element of directing. It plays a very important role in the success of an organisation.
Leadership can be defined as a process of influencing the behaviour of the people to voluntarily act for attainment of organisational objectives. It is concerned with maintaining personal relations with followers and motivates them to contribute for achieving goals of the organisation.
Definitions of Leadership:
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“Leadership is both a process and property. The process of leadership is the use of non coercive influence to direct and coordinate the activities of the members of an organised group towards the accomplishment of group objectivities. As a property, leadership is the set of qualities or characteristics attributed to those who are perceived to successfully employ such influence.” Gay and Strake
“Leadership is the activity of influencing people to strive willingly for group objectives.” George Terry
“Leadership is the art of or process of influencing people so that they will strive willingly and enthusiastically towards the achievement of group goals.” Harold Koontz and Heinz Weihrich
“Leadership is a set of interpersonal behaviours designed to influence employees to cooperate in the achievement of objectives.” Glueck
Features of Leadership:
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(i) Leadership is a process of influencing people.
(ii) It aims at bringing changes in behaviour of people.
(iii) It is a never ending or a continuous process.
(iv) Leadership is practiced to achieve organisational goals.
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(v) It explains the relations between leaders and followers.
Importance of Leadership:
Leadership is an important factor in the success of an organisation. A leader not only provides information about organisational goals but also pools the required resources, guides and motivates his followers for achieving the organisational goals.
(i) Influences the Behaviour of People:
Leadership involves influencing the behaviour of the people and making them contribute their full efforts for the good of an organisation.
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(ii) Handles Conflicts:
A good leader helps in solving the conflicts among his followers and also removes their negative feelings.
(iii) Maintains Coordination:
A leader always maintains personal relations with his followers and provide them the required confidence, support and encouragement. This helps in creating healthy working environment.
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(iv) Introduces Changes:
A good leader helps in solving the problem of resistance to changes by inspiring and persuading them to accept the changes without any discontentment.
(v) Provides Training:
A leader also makes arrangement for the training of his subordinates.