REFLECTION (TOPIC 6)

WRITTEN BY:HUSNI SAHIRIL

INTRODUCTION

Scope of writing and discussion on the topic of leadership is wide. In the course of our life or

career development , certainly we have met with another person, we regard it as a leader , we

respect or admire as a consultant or mentor has extensive experience related to the job and

responsibilities .

Actually, everyone is a leader in his own way according to the role played by the individual.

Some elected leaders in their posts when there are leaders who emerged informally, certified by

experts in the vicinity.

Basic Concepts of Leadership

Leadership is unsurpenting in a formal organization. Within the framework of the organization,

leadership encompasses all forms of activities aimed at influencing knowledge, practice and

motivation of the members in it.

Many studies have shown the success of an organization due to the peak leadership. Effective

schools can be realized with the availability of a credible leader. Leaders are individuals in a

group that was given the responsibility of directing and coordinating activities to achieve its

objectives (Ibrahim Mamat, 2001). For his part, the leader of the combined properties of a

director, motivator and assistant in an organization.

Dictionary definition by the Council (2002), leadership is the ability to lead. Accordingly, Robbins

(2003) explains the concept of leadership as the ability to influence the members of the group to

achieve a goal.

Kim and Maubourgne (1992) defined leadership as a person's ability to inspire confidence and

support among a group of people necessary to achieve organizational goals.

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Furthermore, leadership is the ability to influence the system of beliefs, actions and beliefs of

members of the group (Leithwood & Jackie, 1999).

Fidler (1997 ) has identified two main features of the results of his analysis of the diversity of

definitions of leadership , namely :

• The ability to generate a sense of direction and confidence among his followers.

• Influencing followers towards the goal .

It clearly shows the impact of leadership can be shown the viability and wisdom of the leaders

influence the feelings, beliefs and actions of his followers towards a shared goal. However,

Murphy (1988 ) noted the leadership does not have to be correlated with the characteristics of a

leader alone. Leadership must also be correlated with the interaction of leaders with their

followers, the influence of the leader and follower in a context where he is ( the leadership ) .

Therefore, in addition to the characteristics of a leader , effective leadership is subject to the

context , the type of followers and issues / goals of the organization ( leadership contingency ) .

The type of leadership:

Natural Leadership

In any form of human society , will emerge a powerful person to head it , although he was not

formally appointed . Often , members of the oldest, most experienced , and have high

interpersonal skills will naturally be considered and accepted by the members of the group as

their chief .

Charismatic Leadership

Charismatic leadership concept first advanced by Max Weber ( 1947), in which group members

perceive their leader as a person who has special or exceptional quality . Charismatic leaders

demonstrate their ability to solve a problem or face a crisis successfully. When this happens ,

his followers would have the undivided loyalty of this charismatic leader .

Bureaucratic Leadership

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Bureaucratic leadership is very structured and function in accordance with certain procedures

as stipulated in the organization. The leader of the official bureaucratic power granted to him by

the appointment of office to lead an organization.

The purpose of the bureaucratic leadership in formal organizations aimed at maximizing

management efficiency through the use of rational ( Weber , 1989) .

Distributed Leadership

In organizations that practice distributed leadership , distributed leadership activities in an

interactive network between leaders and members in it . Distributed leadership can generate a

spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among colleagues.

Distributed leadership is considered as the most appropriate style of leadership for the

organization of schools and educational institutions where a large number of members

comprising professionals . Professional teachers have the authority in their respective areas of

expertise . Through collaboration and companionship trade practices ( collegiality ) , they can

benefit from the support and expertise of diverse colleagues ( Brown , Boyle & Boyle , 1989) .

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Conclusion

The theories and studies related to leadership tried to find answers to the most effective way to

manage an organization so that productivity can dimaksi- generalize and costs are minimized.

There are researchers who are trying to find a correlation between school leadership and

student achievement, some are trying organization engages her leadership style and job

satisfaction. A meta-analysis study conducted by Marzano (2005) to kepemim¬pinan school and

student achievement is evident that there is no one model that became dominant in determining

the effectiveness of leadership.

Leaders today must be responsive to the currents of change brought about by the explosion of

information and technology in order to manage change and innovation to occur by using the

skills of the 21st century.

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