Chapter 8: A Critical Assessment of Research on Effective Leadership Behavior

Much of the research on effective leadership over the past half century has involved studies of leader behavior. Progress in learning about effective leadership has been limited by a narrow focus on one or two broadly-defined behaviors or styles of leadership, by confounding observable behaviors with leader traits and values, by a lack of attention to situational variables, and by the frequent use of weak research methods. The weaknesses in much of the research on charismatic and transformational leadership, and in the earlier research on task-oriented and relations-oriented behavior, are also limiting progress in the recent research on ethical, servant, and authentic leadership. The research on effects of leader behavior is briefly reviewed, the limitations are explained, and ways to improve future research are suggested.