COM4807
Assignment 3
Due October 2025
, COM4807
Assignment 3
Due October 2025
Q1: What are three different approaches to organisational leadership, and how do
they compare?
Trait Approach
The trait approach suggests that leadership stems from inherent qualities such as
intelligence, charisma, or self-confidence (Botha et al., 2020:337). It assumes leaders
are born rather than developed. While it highlights the personal attributes of influential
leaders, it struggles to explain why individuals with similar traits often produce different
outcomes. In rapidly shifting environments, its static nature leaves little room for
adaptation or contextual understanding (Mumby & Kuhn, 2019).
Behavioural Approach
The behavioural approach focuses on what leaders do rather than who they are. It
examines styles such as task-oriented versus relationship-oriented behaviours (Botha et
al., 2020:338). Its strength lies in offering observable, teachable behaviours, but it often
oversimplifies leadership. Leaders rarely fit neatly into one style, and modern
environments often demand blended or situationally adaptive behaviours that the model
does not fully capture.
Transformational Leadership Approach
Transformational leadership centres on inspiring and motivating followers through
vision, trust, and shared values (Botha et al., 2020:348). Rather than merely managing
resources, transformational leaders act as change agents, modelling ethical behaviour
Assignment 3
Due October 2025
, COM4807
Assignment 3
Due October 2025
Q1: What are three different approaches to organisational leadership, and how do
they compare?
Trait Approach
The trait approach suggests that leadership stems from inherent qualities such as
intelligence, charisma, or self-confidence (Botha et al., 2020:337). It assumes leaders
are born rather than developed. While it highlights the personal attributes of influential
leaders, it struggles to explain why individuals with similar traits often produce different
outcomes. In rapidly shifting environments, its static nature leaves little room for
adaptation or contextual understanding (Mumby & Kuhn, 2019).
Behavioural Approach
The behavioural approach focuses on what leaders do rather than who they are. It
examines styles such as task-oriented versus relationship-oriented behaviours (Botha et
al., 2020:338). Its strength lies in offering observable, teachable behaviours, but it often
oversimplifies leadership. Leaders rarely fit neatly into one style, and modern
environments often demand blended or situationally adaptive behaviours that the model
does not fully capture.
Transformational Leadership Approach
Transformational leadership centres on inspiring and motivating followers through
vision, trust, and shared values (Botha et al., 2020:348). Rather than merely managing
resources, transformational leaders act as change agents, modelling ethical behaviour
