LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS OF ... - Drake University

This research has resulted in a comprehensive skills-based model of
leadership. According to this theory, effective leadership depends on
technical, human and conceptual skills - all which can be taught (Katz,
1995). These skills imply what the leader can accomplish, whereas traits
imply who the leaders are. These leadership skills can be acquired and
leaders can be trained to use them.
Barling, Weber, and Kelloway (1 996) performed an experimental
research design with pre- and post-test measures to assess the effects of
transformational leadership training with 20 leaders, inclusive of a control
group. Leadership training consisted of a one day group session with four
monthly individualized refresher sessions thereafter. Results showed that
the training resulted in (1) significant effect on subordinates' perceptions of
leaders' transformational leadership, (2) subordinates' own commitment,
and (3) two aspects of financial performance. These findings provided
further support of the effectiveness of training managers in
transformational leadership.
The researchers extended findings that training can change
leaders' transformational leadership behaviors and those of their followers
in expected ways (Howell & Frost, 1989; Kirkpatrick & Locke, 1996). An
experimental research design by Howell and Frost (1 989) revealed that
students working under leaders trained in charismatic style demonstrated
higher task performance than those working under the control group.
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