FUNCTIONS OF LEADERSHIP
Leadership is an indispensable part of the directing function and an important
factor in organisational effectiveness. Without a good leader, an organisation
cannot function successfully. The role of leadership can be judged by the
functions which a leader performs:
1. Goal determination:
A leader interprets the objectives of the group and lays down policies and
programmes for attaining them. He acts as the planner and policy maker.
2. Motivating followers:
A leader stimulates people to perform their duties with enthusiasm and sincerity.
He is the purveyor of rewards and punishments. He creates confidence in his
followers. He inspires team work and secures maximum cooperation from the
employees. Effective leadership is necessary to inspire people to willingly work
hard for the attainment of common goals. A good leader is also instrumental in
bringing about better utilization of manpower.
3. Direction:
A leader is an important modifier of behaviour of people working in the
organisation. Efficient leadership provides guidance and advice to people and
directs their behaviour towards the pre-determined objectives. A leader is able to
direct the actions of his followers.
4. Coordination:
Leadership is the force which binds a group together. It provides a cohesive force
which holds the group intact and develops a spirit of unity. A leader reconciles the
goals of the individuals with the organisational goals and creates a community of
interests. He acts as the arbitrator and mediator to resolve conflicts, between his
followers. He is the controller of internal relations.
5. Representation:
A leader is the representative of his group. He takes initiative in all matters of
interest to the group and strives to fulfil the psychological needs of his followers.
He is the symbol of the group and father figure for his followers.
Leadership is an indispensable part of the directing function and an important
factor in organisational effectiveness. Without a good leader, an organisation
cannot function successfully. The role of leadership can be judged by the
functions which a leader performs:
1. Goal determination:
A leader interprets the objectives of the group and lays down policies and
programmes for attaining them. He acts as the planner and policy maker.
2. Motivating followers:
A leader stimulates people to perform their duties with enthusiasm and sincerity.
He is the purveyor of rewards and punishments. He creates confidence in his
followers. He inspires team work and secures maximum cooperation from the
employees. Effective leadership is necessary to inspire people to willingly work
hard for the attainment of common goals. A good leader is also instrumental in
bringing about better utilization of manpower.
3. Direction:
A leader is an important modifier of behaviour of people working in the
organisation. Efficient leadership provides guidance and advice to people and
directs their behaviour towards the pre-determined objectives. A leader is able to
direct the actions of his followers.
4. Coordination:
Leadership is the force which binds a group together. It provides a cohesive force
which holds the group intact and develops a spirit of unity. A leader reconciles the
goals of the individuals with the organisational goals and creates a community of
interests. He acts as the arbitrator and mediator to resolve conflicts, between his
followers. He is the controller of internal relations.
5. Representation:
A leader is the representative of his group. He takes initiative in all matters of
interest to the group and strives to fulfil the psychological needs of his followers.
He is the symbol of the group and father figure for his followers.
