WEEK 23

1.In your own words and using referenced quotes describe what is meant by the term “strategic leadership”.

According to The Center for Management and Organizational Effectiveness, the true meaning of strategic leadership is "nothing more than the ability to anticipate, prepare, and get positioned for the future. It is the ability to mobilize and focus resources and energy on things that make a difference and will position you for success in the future."

Therefore strategic leadership refers to the ability to influence the managers and staffs working for the organization achieve long-term goals. It helps to maintain long-term growth and deliver high value over time.

Strategic leaders create organizational structure, allocate resources and express strategic vision. They allow their employees to make their own decision that align with the organization needs. The main aim of strategic leadership is strategic productivity.

The traits of strategic leaders are:

• Loyal
• Informed about change
• Wise use of power
• Motivating skill
• Show compassion
• Having social skills

2.Identify two interesting similarities and two differences between the 5 Elements of Successful and Effective Strategic Leadership model and the Transcendent Leadership model.

Holistic Theories of Strategic Leadership

1. 5 Elements of Successful and Effective Strategic Leadership model (Lynch Mode)

• Defining and delivering to Stakeholder
• Managing human resources & organisational decisions
• Setting ethical standards
• Developing and communicating the organisations‟ purpose
• Sustaining Competitive Advantage over time

2.The Transcendent Leadership model.

• Leadership of self
• Leadership of others
• Leadership of organization

Similarities:

• Both model focuses on maintain good relationship between the leaders and followers. By motivating and training the followers, leaders can drive them to attain organizational purposes.
• They focus on the competitive advantage of the company to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

Difference:

• Five elements of successful and effective strategic leadership model focus only on the leadership that benefits organization’s  purpose where as transcendent leadership focus on leadership of organization as well as self-leadership as well.
• The Lynch model focus on keeping good relationship with external and internal stakeholders so as it can easily adapt to changes in complex situations whereas the transcendent model has no mentioned anything relating to maintaining good relation with the stakeholders of the company.

References :

Lynch R (2009), Strategic Management, 5th edition, Pearson Education Limited

Management Study Guide., Strategic Leadership - Definition and Qualities of a Strategic Leader. (Online) Available at: http://www.managementstudyguide.com/strategic-leadership.htm > [ Accessed on April 29^th 2013]

A. Langley, J. L. Denis, and L. Lamothe, ‘The dynamics of collective change leadership and strategic change in pluralistic organizations’, Academy of Management Journal, vol. 44, no. 4 (2001), pp. 809–837.