Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport"

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION (MBA)

Leadership research and development

By Dr. Sahar Salem

Leadership theories examples

2023 –(Class-S3)

Prepared by:
Gehad Salah
Mohamed abd el Salam
Mohamed Azab
Aya Ahmed
Sarah Magdy
Contents
Leadership theories Introduction...................................................................................................3
1. Trait theory.............................................................................................................................4
2. Behavioral theories.................................................................................................................4
3. Contingency theories..............................................................................................................4
4. Path Goal theory.....................................................................................................................4
5. Transactional theories............................................................................................................4
6. Transformational theories......................................................................................................5
7. Digital leadership....................................................................................................................6
Leadership theories Introduction
There are as many different views of leadership as there are characteristic that distinguish
leaders from non-leaders. While most research today has shifted from traditional trait or
personality-based theories to a situation theory, which dictates that the situation in which
leadership is exercised is determined by the leadership skills and characteristics of the leader
(Avolio, Walumbwa, & Weber, 2009)

All contemporary theories can fall under one of the following three perspectives: leadership as a
process or relationship, leadership as a combination of traits or personality characteristics, or
leadership as certain behaviors or, as they are more commonly referred to, leadership skills.

leadership is a process that involves influence with a group of people toward the realization of
goals that is identified in seven major leadership theories classified as following:

1. Trait theory
2. Behavioral theories
3. Contingency theories
4. Path Goal theory
5. Transactional theories
6. Transformational theories
7. Digital leadership

In this paper we will present a public figure example whom has applied the above mentioned
theory during their success journey.
 1. Trait theory
One public figure who can be related to trait theory is Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey is known
for her strong personality traits such as her confidence, charisma, and leadership skills. These
traits have helped her to become one of the most successful and influential public figures in the
world.

Oprah’s accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist has made her as one of
the most respected and admired public figures in the world.

Oprah began speaking in front of audiences since she was only 4 years old in local churches. Her
Father taught her that she always had to pursue excellence in order to succeed. Oprah absorbed
that attitude and said, “There’s no such thing as failure in my life, I just don’t believe in it”
(O’Neil 2004, p.13).

Oprah’s broadcasting career began at age 17, received her Bachelor Honours Degree in Speech
Communications and Performing Arts. Oprah moved up quickly and in 1978 discovered her
talent for hosting talk shows when she became co-host of WJZ-TV’s “People are talking”. In
1986, she began broadcasting nationally, via “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, which became the
highest rated talk show in television history.

Oprah became the first African-American woman to join the ranks of billionaires, as published
by Forbes magazine for that year (O’Neil 2004). From 2004-2009, she was the only woman to
have been included in all six of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in World lists.

2. Behavioral theories

3. Contingency theories

4. Path Goal theory

5. Transactional theories
 6. Transformational theories
Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister and the vice president of the UAE, he
took office in 2006 following the death of his brother Sheikh Maktoum.

He has undertaken incredible reforms to the Dubai government. In 2010, he set out the Vision
2021 for Dubai whose main objective entailed ensuring that the UAE could emerge one of the
best nations around the globe , he is the vision carrier. This responsibility is reflected by his
central role in steering Dubai’s growth to become the most preferred global city for tourism and
business destination .

Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum portrays a transformational leadership behavior. Drawing

his discussion from the transformational leadership theory, he evidences this behavior
considering his achievements such as setting out a clear strategic plan that detailed the UAE’S
Vision 2021. Through the vision, Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum sees the UAE as completely
transformed to become the best global city.

The transformational leadership behavior of Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum is evidenced by

Dubai’s competitive position to host events that seek to highlight the municipality’s capacity to
become a major global city. Expo 2020 Dubai (2016) reveals.

Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum has evidenced a clear promise to transform the lives of the
less fortunate people. As a result, Al Maktoum’s transformational behavior is supported by his
strong commitment to corporate responsibility. For example, he initiated the UAE-Pakistan
assistance program to help the nation to rebuild itself following the heavy flooding in 2011.

He has also provided aid to Palestine and Afghanistan to help individuals who are affected by
the ongoing war. In 2007, he made public a plan for donating $10 billion in setting a foundation
for education in the Middle East. He noted that the money came to help in bridging educational
gaps between the Arab world and the developed nations. His transformational behavior is
appropriate considering that the UAE plays a strategic role in the Middle East’s geopolitical,
economic, and social matters.

Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum is not only humble but also practical. He thinks through any
situation to come up with solutions that have earned him trust from all UAE residents and even
other global leaders. His philanthropic approach to people’s problems makes him incredibly
famous. He has the capability for pulling resources together to secure economic success for the
UAE.

Although he likes working alone, he is easily approachable. Hence, people can easily articulate
their problems on areas that require policy reviews. Consequently, his decisions are informed by
tactical problems on the ground. This trait has earned him high trust since he is capable of
resolving people’s problems with a high degree of precision. The Emeriti people and even global
partners celebrate his transformational behavior, a case that demonstrates that he is indeed
famous and successful.
7. Digital leadership