The Definition of Leadership by Northouse

According to the Leadership written by Northouse, the definition of leadership is

Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.”

This idea opened my eye because I never think what leadership is and vaguely I thought leadership is one side action from leaders and leaders require certain special character or behavioral manner rather than some sort of mutual influence. I am delightful to know everyone can obtain leadership. Also I was convinced to know definition of leadership has changed depends on the time and the culture.  After I read this book I like this Northouse’s leadership concept because I understand leadership should be flexible.

“Process” in leadership definition means “interaction” between leader and followers where leadership occurs. Even though a common goal is the same, leadership would be different depends on leader, followers, culture and time.  “Influence” is the main part of leadership, how the leader affects followers and the communication that occurs between leaders and follower. (Ruben & Gigliotti, 2017) Leaders use mainly power to influence followers in organization. Two major types of power is position power and personal power. In the primitive way of leadership, leaders often use position power including coercive and reward. It is clear when we see the politics in ancient era or even some countries now. When position power is immense and the distance between leaders and followers becomes farther, this process becomes more one way. However, in Northouse house’s definition, followers is given the power to leaders. When followers admit the leader is their leader and accepted to be influenced the power, the power can influence followers.Because definition of leadership is process and emphasize mutual interaction. Group context includes leaders and followers and it is important that both leaders and followers to be conscious with their common goal.

Yes, I am interested to know the definition of leadership by Northouse.  In this leadership concept, the position of leaders and followers are more equal and close to be able to interact each other. However in real world, bigger the size of organizations become , farther becomes the distance between leaders and followers and normally leaders don’t acknowledge of followers respectively like politician and followers, CEO of big companies and employee. Vice versa.  I agree that leaders are also influenced by followers. However regarding that the role of leader is to lead followers in the group to achieve common goal. Is it necessary for followers to know who lead them as a leader in any situations?

 

Reference:

Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice, Seventh Edition. Thousand Oaks.

Ruben, B.D., & Gigliotti, R. A. (2017). Communication: Sine qua non of organizational leadership theory and practice. International Journal of Business Communication, 54(1), 12-30.

 

14 Replies to “The Definition of Leadership by Northouse”

  1. Hiromi,
    It’s wonderful to have you in this class. I appreciated reading your posting where you share a bit of your story. I am sure we will learn so much from your experience as a surgeon, leader, and traveler.

    You raise some interesting points about how leaders and followers interact with each other, particularly in large organizations as leaders often have little interaction with those they lead. You also mention political scenarios, in which government representatives are not connected closely with those they represent. Do you think it is important for leaders in that context to remain connected (in some way) to some of those they lead so they can continue to seek input from them? If so, how do you think they might do that?
    — Leadership Prof

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