Leading Generation X Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leading Generation X - Essay Example Transactional leadership does not stimulate extra role behavior, rather it tends to encourage and promote in-role behavior, however with general standards of behavior being eligible for a reward if higher than optimum expected levels. The relationship between a transactional leader and his followers is purely an economic exchange, doing more than what is expected or achieving extraordinary things are not likely to be appreciated (Pillai et al, 1999). Doyle and Smith (no date) in their discussion of classical leadership theories, have also mentioned the views put forward by Bass (1985) on the potential for existing transactional leadership patterns to be transformed, in order to cater to the more sophisticated demands that are made upon leaders today. The transactional approach may be more relevant in serving the self-interest of employees and may thus lend itself well to Generation X-ers. (Doyle and Smith, no date:7) The traits theory that is explicated in most detail in the article by Rodriguez, Green and Ree (2003), essentially centers upon the general traits or qualities all leaders were thought to possess, which differentiated them from their followers. This article also points out the difficulties in application of the Traits theory, since it does not take into account the situation or context within which a leader is required to make decisions. Another drawback with the Traits theory is that the list of qualities enumerated by Gardner (1989) contains a motley mix of traits, such as behavioral traits, skills and abilities, temperament and intellectual abilities. Lastly, the list of traits is closely associated with maleness and the attributes on Gardner’s list are male; as a result females are not viewed as viable leaders (Rosener, 1997). As a result, the traits leadership model may not be appropriate for generation X-ers where there is a large representation of women in