Behavioral Theory of Leadership with Examples (2023)

Leadership, the engine of any organization, has been scrutinized through various lenses throughout history. The behavioral theory of leadership offers one such perspective, with a central tenet that leaders aren’t necessarily born, but made through the development of key behaviors.

Let’s dive deep into this theory with examples, exploring how leaders’ behaviors significantly impact their effectiveness and success.

The Journey of Leadership Theory: From Trait to Behavioral

Leadership theories have evolved significantly over time, shifting from the belief that leaders are inherently born to the understanding that leadership can be learned and cultivated. Early on, trait theory posited that certain natural traits determined who would become leaders.

However, the behavioral leadership theory emerged as a radical shift, suggesting that leadership behaviors could be acquired and improved over time. This theory posited that anyone, with the right effort and experience, could grow into an effective leader.

Two key sets of studies, Ohio State Leadership Studies, and Michigan Leadership Studies, have considerably shaped our understanding of leadership behavior.

The Ohio State Leadership Studies identified two critical dimensions of leadership: people-oriented (consideration) and task-oriented (initiating structure).

1. People-oriented (consideration) leadership is about being considerate and supportive. Leaders with this style focus on building strong relationships, creating a positive work environment, and meeting the individual needs of team members.
2. Task-oriented (initiating structure) leadership concentrates on the job itself. Leaders of this type are proficient at organizing tasks, defining clear objectives, and monitoring performance. They build a structured work environment with clear goals and processes.

The Michigan Leadership Studies, meanwhile, categorized leaders as either “employee-centered” or “job-centered”.

1. Employee-centered leaders are primarily focused on their team members. They value employee well-being, promote personal growth, and foster an atmosphere of open communication and belonging.
2. Job-centered leaders, on the other hand, emphasize the tasks at hand. Their primary concern lies in task completion and work efficiency. They establish clear rules, expect their adherence, and rigorously monitor performance.

Both these influential studies highlight the balance that successful leaders must achieve: they must not only ensure tasks are completed and goals are met but also pay attention to the well-being and individual needs of their team members. In doing so, these studies have laid a robust foundation for future theories in the field of leadership.

Core Principles of Behavioral Leadership Theory

The behavioral leadership theory categorizes leadership styles based on a leader’s behavior, fostering the belief that effective leadership is a learned process. This theory focuses on two types of behaviors: task-oriented and people-oriented.

Task-oriented leaders focus on the job at hand. They are excellent at defining roles and establishing clear goals. However, these leaders may need to balance task orientation with their relationships to avoid employee dissatisfaction.

Conversely, people-oriented leaders concentrate on team member morale, fostering an encouraging work environment, and open communication. These leaders often excel in promoting a positive culture but may struggle if tasks are not prioritized effectively.

The Behavioral Leadership Styles: The Many Facets of Leadership

The behavioral theory outlines various leadership styles, each distinct in its approach:

• Participative leaders foster open communication and decision-making within the team, valuing each team member’s voice.
• Indifferent leaders, often termed impoverished leaders, exhibit a hands-off approach, which can lead to a lack of a team’s progress.
• Country club leaders prioritize their team members’ comfort over task completion, which can occasionally result in decreased productivity.
• Status-quo leaders, similar to country club leadership, resist change, preferring to maintain current systems and processes.
• Dictatorial leaders hold power and control, potentially demotivating team members due to their authoritative behavior.
• Sound leaders, or team leaders, strike a balance between tasks and interpersonal relationships, leading to both productivity and high team morale.
• Opportunistic leaders adapt their leadership style based on what they stand to gain, potentially creating an unstable work environment.
• Paternalistic leaders mix authoritative and benevolent leadership, like a parent figure in the team.

A successful application of these styles hinges on the leader’s ability to adapt and shift based on the situation at hand. This adaptability is the cornerstone of the contingency theory, another significant leadership theory that emphasizes that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to leadership.

The Skills and Behaviours of Effective Leaders

Effective leaders tend to exhibit a collection of behaviors and skills that promote a healthy and productive work environment. These include:

• Listening to feedback and maintaining open communication lines.
• Encouraging employees and providing constructive feedback.
• Providing support for employees to improve, focusing on continuous improvement.
• Giving autonomy to employees fosters a sense of trust and responsibility.
• Assigning tasks based on individual skills and interests to foster productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Knowing and reiterating clear goals and team mission statements to keep the team’s progress on track.
• Consistent and frequent team meetings with employees to assess and give feedback, ensuring regular progress reports.
• Motivating employees to work with and without you, nurturing promising employees to become new leaders.
• Building and maintaining a healthy team/company culture, which positively affects the entire team.

An effective leader often exhibits a blend of these behaviors, making them a model for others in the organization. The best leaders know that leadership is a continuous learning journey, requiring adaptability and resilience.

Real-World Examples of Behavioral Leadership Theory

To truly understand the impact of behavioral leadership, let’s take a look at a few real-world examples.

Participative Leadership: Google

Google, one of the most successful tech companies globally, is an excellent example of participative leadership. Google encourages its employees to spend 20% of their time on personal projects, fostering innovation and engagement. This approach allows team members to feel valued and invested in the company’s success, boosting productivity and job satisfaction.

Task-Oriented Leadership: Amazon

Amazon, under the leadership of Jeff Bezos, demonstrates a strong task-oriented leadership style. Bezos is known for his meticulous focus on customer satisfaction, leading Amazon to implement specific behaviors and systems to ensure top-notch customer service.

People-Oriented Leadership: Richard Branson

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is a classic example of people-oriented leadership. Branson often states that his employees are his company’s greatest asset, reflecting his belief in creating a supportive and encouraging environment for his team.

The Role of Care in Behavioral Leadership

Caring leadership focuses on empathy and understanding, recognizing the importance of individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being. It is closely related to people-oriented leaders, with a key difference being a strong emphasis on nurturing emotional bonds within the team. Leaders that embody this style often notice an increase in team morale and productivity, as employees feel valued and cared for.

However, care in leadership isn’t solely about being ‘nice.’ It also involves setting boundaries, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability. It’s about empowering team members to reach their potential and making hard decisions when necessary.

Criticisms and Limitations of Behavioral Theory of Leadership

While the behavioral theory of leadership provides valuable insights, it’s not without its limitations. One significant criticism is the challenge of accurately measuring behavior. Behavior is complex and often subjective, making it difficult to assess with certainty.

Furthermore, other factors also contribute to leadership success, such as the leader’s personality, organizational culture, and external environmental conditions. Hence, relying solely on learned behaviors may not provide a comprehensive picture of effective leadership.

Finally, behavioral theory doesn’t address how different contexts might require different behaviors. This gap is addressed in part by contingency theories, which highlight the importance of adapting leadership styles based on the situation.

Related: Leadership Development Trends

Conclusion: The Future of Behavioral Leadership

Despite these limitations, the behavioral theory of leadership provides a powerful framework for understanding and improving leadership effectiveness. It offers a refreshing perspective on leadership that emphasizes growth, learning, and adaptability.

The future of behavioral leadership likely lies in its convergence with other leadership theories, particularly those that recognize the complex, dynamic nature of leadership. As we continue to understand more about the intersection of individual behaviors, organizational culture, and external influences, the behavioral approach to leadership will undoubtedly continue to evolve.

Leadership is not a destination but a journey of continuous learning and improvement. By understanding and applying the principles of the behavioral theory of leadership, we can become better leaders, fostering growth and success within our teams and organizations.

FAQs