LEADERSHIP – B.
Com 1st Semester Revision Notes
■ Meaning:
Leadership is the process of influencing and guiding people to achieve organizational goals willingly
and effectively.
■ Definitions:
Koontz & O’Donnell: Leadership is the art of influencing people so that they will strive willingly and
enthusiastically toward the achievement of group goals.
Chester Barnard: Leadership is the ability of a superior to influence the behavior of subordinates
and persuade them to follow a particular course of action.
■ Features / Characteristics:
1. Influence – Leaders influence followers, not command them.
2. Motivation – Inspires people to work willingly.
3. Interpersonal Relationship – Based on human relations.
4. Goal-Oriented – Aims at achieving common objectives.
5. Continuous Process – Needed at all times.
6. Group Activity – Exists only with followers.
■ Importance / Need for Leadership:
■ Motivates employees
■ Improves teamwork and cooperation
■ Builds confidence among workers
■ Ensures better communication
■ Helps in achieving goals
■ Maintains discipline and morale
■ Functions of a Leader:
1. Guiding – Directing team efforts
2. Motivating – Inspiring enthusiasm
3. Communication – Two-way exchange of information
4. Coordinating – Harmonizing activities
5. Representing – Link between management and workers
6. Developing – Training and improving followers’ abilities
■ Qualities of a Good Leader:
1. Integrity and honesty
2. Self-confidence
3. Decision-making ability
4. Communication skills
5. Empathy and understanding
6. Vision and foresight
7. Knowledge and competence
■ Styles / Types of Leadership:
Type Description Example
Autocratic (Authoritarian) Leader takes decisions alone, expects obedience
Military style
Democratic (Participative) Leader involves team in decision-making Modern business leaders
Laissez-faire (Free-rein) Leader gives full freedom to subordinates Creative teams
Transactional Focus on rewards and punishments Sales-based leadership
Transformational Inspires followers to exceed goals Visionary leaders like Steve Jobs
■ Difference between Leadership and Management:
Basis Leadership Management
Meaning Influencing people Managing tasks
Focus People Process
Power Personal influence Formal authority
Approach Inspirational Administrative
Goal Vision achievement Efficient operation
■ Limitations / Challenges:
■ Over-dependence on leader
■ Bias or favoritism
■ Misuse of authority
■ Difficult to find good leaders
■ Top 10 MCQs for Practice
1. Leadership involves — influencing people to achieve goals. ■
2. According to Koontz & O’Donnell, leadership is — art of influencing people willingly. ■
3. The first quality of a good leader is — Integrity. ■
4. Democratic leadership means — involving team in decisions. ■
5. Laissez-faire leadership gives — full freedom to subordinates. ■
6. Transformational leaders — inspire followers to exceed goals. ■
7. Leadership is different from management because — it focuses on people. ■
8. Over-dependence on one person is a — limitation of leadership. ■
9. A leader acts as a — link between management and workers. ■
10. Leadership is a — continuous process. ■
