Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Ethiopian Civil Service University

College of Leadership and Governance

Department of Leadership and Good Governance
MA in Project Leadership and Management Program
Course Title: Fundamentals of Leadership
Course Code: MPLM 5021

Individual Assignment on
Understanding the Different
Aspects of Leadership Leadership theories demonstrate the
Understanding the Different Aspects of logic afterwards effective by conveying
Student Name: Gebremedhin Hagos why certain practices succeed, while
Leadership
ID No.-------- leadership styles explain the specific
Section: One behaviors leaders exercise in particular
contexts (how they act). Leadership
models provide a structured guide to
executing leadership principles
systematically (how to apply) and
leadership approaches focus on adaptive
strategies based on situational needs
Submitted To: Assefa B. (PhD) (what to prioritize). Leadership
frameworks on the other hand combines
these all aspects into a coherent system to
Dec 10, 2024
align leadership practices, organizational
culture and strategic goals.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Definition and Explanation ............................................................................................................. 1
1. Leadership Theories ............................................................................................................. 1
2. Leadership styles .................................................................................................................. 2
3. Leadership Models ............................................................................................................... 3
The five facts of leadership models ...................................................................................... 3
4. Leadership Approach ........................................................................................................... 4
5. Leadership Framework ........................................................................................................ 4
Comparison and Contrast of the Leadership Aspects ..................................................................... 5
1. Leadership Theories Vs Leadership Styles .......................................................................... 5
2. Leadership Model Vs Leadership Style ............................................................................... 5
3. Leadership Theory Vs Leadership Model ............................................................................ 6
4. Leadership Approach Vs Leadership Theory &Model ........................................................ 6
5. Leadership Framework Vs Leadership Theory, Model, Approach ...................................... 6
Real Case-Based Examples............................................................................................................. 7
1. Leadership Theory: Transformational Leadership Theory at EEP ...................................... 7
2. Leadership Styles: Democratic Leadership in Project Management at EEP ....................... 8
3. Leadership Model: Transformational Leadership Model at EEP ........................................ 8
4. Leadership Approach: Task-Oriented and People-Oriented Leadership at EEP.................. 9
5. Leadership Framework: McKinsey 7-S Framework at EEP................................................ 9
References ......................................................................................................................................11

Table 1: Summary of the leadership aspects difference .................................................................. 7

Figure 1: Leadership Theoria .......................................................................................................... 2

Figure 2: Leadership Styles ............................................................................................................ 3
Figure 3: Leadership Models .......................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4: Leadership Frameworks .................................................................................................. 5

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Introduction
Leadership is a versatile concept the contains different theories, styles, approaches, models and
frameworks in which each term serves a unique intent in understanding and applying leadership
in organizational and social contexts. This document is provided to navigate the distinct purpose
of these terms in order to make students as well as leaders easily understand the terms and apply
in their academy and career in a simplified way and to articulate how the concepts are applied in
a real-world scenario.
In this paper detailed contextual definition of the terms, thorough comparison and contrast of the
aforementioned concepts, terminological and applicational differences and similarities of the
terms, illustration of the arguments with relevant case study examples are included.

Definition and Explanation

1. Leadership Theories
Leadership theories are academies introduced forward to explain how and why certain individuals
become leaders. The theories focus the traits and behaviors that individuals can embrace to boost
their own leadership abilities. (CFI, n.d.). These theories call to explain and conceive the qualities,
behaviors, and dynamics contributing to effective leadership. Which provide insights into how
individuals can lead and influence followers within various contexts and organizational settings.
The purpose of these theories lies in offering a structured understanding of leadership traits, styles,
and practices. By studying these theories, leaders can enhance their leadership skills, adapt their
approaches to different situations, and cultivate a deeper awareness of their impact on teams and
organizations. Leadership theories govern organizations in determining and upbringing potential
leaders, encouraging the growth of a capable and adaptable leadership architecture that can drive
positive change and achieve common goals. (WallStreetMojo, n.d.)
Leadership theories help in leadership development by providing aspiring leaders with a
foundation to refine their skills and adapt their approaches to different contexts. They also play a
leading role in organizational success by supporting in identifying and cultivating potential leaders
exercising a dynamic leadership culture that can track complexities and drive positive changes.
Through the point of view of these theories, organizations can enhance their decision-making
processes, foster collaboration, and ensure the alignment of leadership practices with broader
strategic objectives of the organization. (WallStreetMojo, n.d.)
How leadership theories are applied effectively?
By offering a range of perspectives on effective leadership, highlighting traits, behaviors, and
contextual dynamics that influence success.
Making leaders adapt theories to fit situations, understanding that no single approach suits all
scenarios.
Integrating various theories to enables leaders to develop a versatile skill set, facilitating personal
growth and boosting team performance.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Emerging effective leaders from the understanding that the right theory and style depend on team
composition, goals, and the organizational environment.

Figure 1: Leadership Theoria

2. Leadership styles
Leadership style is the behavior pattern displayed by a leader which reflects the recurrent way that
a leader acts towards his/her followers. According to this context leadership style is a set of related
behaviors, not a single behavior. (Managing life at work, n.d.) Leadership styles refer to the
behavioral approach exercised by leaders to influence, motivate, and direct their followers.
leadership style identifies how leaders implement plans and strategies to accomplish pre-defined
objectives while accounting for stakeholder expectations and the wellbeing and soundness of their
team. (CFI, n.d.) (Kotter, 2017)
For example, authentic leaders are expected to not only stay true to their moral standards, but also
to express their ideas clearly, and to seek information from follower or others to better understand
situations and themselves. This does not mean that, in order to practice a leadership style, a leader
must engage in all specific behaviors of such leadership style at the same time. In contrast, a leader
adopting a style engages in specific behaviors over time, as necessary. (Managing life at work,
n.d.)

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Figure 2: Leadership Styles

3. Leadership Models
Leadership Models are essential frameworks and set of practices and ideas demonstrating how
leaders can motivate and guide their teams (Nulab, n.d.) (The konwledge academy, n.d.). Basically,
models represent how the tasks of decent-quality leaders can significantly contribute toward a
company’s goals and achievements by providing a structured way to effectively influence their
followers, create direction and foster an environment that promotes positive organizational culture
to enhance engagement, motivate employees and align their practices with the values and goals of
the organization (The konwledge academy, n.d.) (library.fiveable.me, n.d.). Simply, we can think
of leadership models as tools in toolbox just as you would not use screw driver to deform a huge
metal which means you would not apply a single leadership model to every situation (Nulab, n.d.)

The five facts of leadership models

1. Leadership models contribute in creating a positive organizational culture by providing

directions and guidelines for effective communication and relationship-building between
leaders and employees.
2. Diverse leadership models can be employed depending on the organizational context,
goals, and the specific needs of team members to foster collaboration and trust.
3. The choice of leadership model can considerably impact employee satisfaction, retention
rates, and overall productivity within the organization.
4. Adaptable leadership styles that address the unique challenges faced by teams can be
obtained by integrating elements from various leadership models.
5. Leaders who know different leadership models can better travel across complex situations
by modifying their approach to meet the demands of their workforce.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Figure 3: Leadership Models

4. Leadership Approach
Leadership approach refer to theories and styles that explain how and why certain individuals
become leaders which means it is a general strategy or philosophy that guides a leader’s actions
and is broader than styles and often influenced by theories. Its purpose is to offer practical guidance
in adapting leadership to different situations or challenges. Keith Grint introduces four definitions
of leadership which are leadership as position, leadership as person, leadership as result and
leadership as process. In all these cases leaders can apply either task-oriented leadership approach,
people-oriented approach or adaptive approach (thelazyleader, n.d.)
5. Leadership Framework
A Leadership Framework is a comprehensive structure, strategic plan or set of guidelines that
define the key principles, practices, and tools leaders use to lead their followers and tasks
effectively and integrates multiple aspects of leadership such as theory, style, model and approach.
It includes core values, preferred leadership styles, decision-making methods, communication
techniques, and ways to advocate teamwork. This structured approach serves leaders with a
complete toolkit to deal with various constraints. Moreover, it helps them adjust to different
situations, and match their actions with the organization’s purpose. This model enables leaders to
make smart decisions, motivate their teams, create a positive culture that flourishes on cooperation,
development and shared vision by combining the above stated different elements (The konwledge
academy, n.d.).

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Figure 4: Leadership Frameworks

Comparison and Contrast of the Leadership Aspects

1. Leadership Theories Vs Leadership Styles
✓ Leadership theories emphasize the traits and behaviors that individuals can exhibit to
enhance their leadership abilities while leadership styles include unique qualities such as
coaching, authentic, democratic, lassies fair. (thelazyleader, n.d.)
In the real case-based example explained to the context of EEP, the transformational theory
provides the basics for understanding leadership dynamics, while the model governs the practical
application of those principles in organizational practices.
2. Leadership Model Vs Leadership Style
✓ While Leadership Models are compatible to Leadership styles, they both are entirely
different conceptions. Leadership models talk about conceptual structure besides
explaining what makes a decent leader. However, styles examine the Leadership behavior
patterns that can be exhibited by the Leaders of an organization. (The konwledge academy,
n.d.)
✓ Leadership style shows how an individual leads his/her followers by taking into account
their personal characteristics, traits and ideas. Additionally, the industry they work in and
the culture of the workplace can also influence them. The synergy of the above factors
leads to a certain leadership style, which derives from a leadership model. A leadership
model comprises the theory and ideas for how to become a more effective leader. To
illustrate this with example, having a coach-style leadership style would fall under the
broader model of team-orientated leadership. (uk.indeed, n.d.)
In the case-based example of EEP, the transformational leadership model delivers a structured,
organization-wide framework to inspire systemic change, while the leadership styles demonstrate
participatory behaviors in defined situations.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

3. Leadership Theory Vs Leadership Model

✓ Leadership theories explain why leadership behaviors work and serve a foundational
framework for understanding leadership phenomena while leadership models provide
structured framework on how to implement leadership practices in defined scenarios.
In the real case based example demonstrated above of the EEP transformational theories and
transformation models, in the transformational leadership theory, the CEO conceptual foundation
focuses on inspiring employees to align with the theoretical notion of transformational leadership
we can say this as leading by vision and motivation while transformational leadership model of
the organization describes the practical application of transformational principles such as clear
vision, training programs, innovations in specific projects like GERD, providing a structured
process for leadership practices.
4. Leadership Approach Vs Leadership Theory &Model
✓ Unlike leadership theories which are conceptual explanations or models which are
structured frameworks an approach focuses on how a leader balances priorities like task
achievement and people management.
For example, in the above illustrated example of EEP context, the approach conforms leadership
strategies situationally, the theory explains the basic principles, and the model provides structured
governance for implementation.
5. Leadership Framework Vs Leadership Theory, Model, Approach
✓ Unlike theories which explain leadership phenomena, models which are practical tools, or
approaches which reflect strategic methods, frameworks focus on aligning multiple
organizational elements to optimize leadership effectiveness.
In the case-based example given at EEP, frameworks ensure comprehensive organizational
alignment, while theories, styles, models, and approaches focuses on specific leadership aspects
and practices.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

Table 1: Summary of the leadership aspects difference

Aspect for Theory Style Approach Model Framework

compariso
n
Scope Broader and Behavioral Strategic Practical and Integrative and
conceptual and and structured holistic
specific flexible
Applicatio Explains Governs Governs Governs Governs
n leadership interaction action or implementatio system wide
phenomena s philosophy n integration
Focus Why leadership How Philosoph Process of Comprehensiv
works leaders y of leadership e structure
behave leadership
Example Transformational Authentic, Adaptive, Kouzes & McKinsey’s 7-
, trait democratic task Posner’s model S
oriented

Real Case-Based Examples

1. Leadership Theory: Transformational Leadership Theory at EEP
It is known that Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) plays a crucial role in powering Ethiopia’s growth
faced with challenges like managing large scale projects such as GERD, Gibe IV (Coisha),
ensuring energy sustainability, expanding access to electricity. So that EEP should navigate
complex organizational and national demands. To do this the organization should apply a
transformational leadership to accomplish the ongoing projects, begin new project as well as to
enhance customer satisfaction. Here are how the company can encompass the leadership theory;
1. Visionary leadership: if the CEO lead the charge in positioning Ethiopia as regional leader in
renewable energy and the vision includes maximizing Ethiopia’s hydro-electric potential to meet
domestic energy demands and exports surplus electricity to neighboring countries.
Inspirational Motivation: If he motivates employees and stakeholders by emphasizing Ethiopia's
energy independence and the role of electricity in transforming the nation's economy.
Intellectual Stimulation: If he encourages innovation in project management and renewable
energy technologies. For instance, EEP adopts modern methods such as SAP for hydropower
project execution, focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
Individual Consideration: If he Recognizes the importance of skilled personnel, supports
capacity-building initiatives, fosters professional growth and improves technical expertise among
EEP employees.
If the CEO of the organization performs all the above tasks, analyses strategic achievements,
stakeholder engagement, economic impacts, challenges resource constraints and public
expectations, we can say that he is applying leadership theory which is transformational.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

2. Leadership Styles: Democratic Leadership in Project Management at EEP

Democratic leadership style motivates participation, unity, and commonly shared decision making.
Assume this style is evident in EEP’s context to handle large scale power plant project such as
GERD. If the leader applies the following styles, he/she is said to be following leadership style.

1. If the leadership involves technical experts, stakeholders, and government representatives

in decision making processes for GERD as well as if he conducts regular consultations
with engineers, environmentalists and economists ensuring that the project addresses
technical and social concerns comprehensively.
2. If the project team is encouraged to provide input on challenges and innovations, such as
optimizing water flow for energy generation while balancing environmental considerations
3. If the leader delegates functional team leaders and ensures sense of ownership and
accountability, fosters a sense of shared responsibility
4. If the leader conducts regular updates and stakeholder meetings which promotes
transparency ensuring that the workforce and public are informed about progress and
challenges which foster trust and cooperation
5. Analyzing the above tasks, enhanced innovation, improved stakeholders’ buy in and
increased moral could become the strengths of the organization and improved project
efficiency can be achieved

The democratic leadership style at EEP shows how inclusive decision-making and cooperation
can lead to innovative solutions and stakeholder alignment in large-scale projects. It also points
out the significance of balancing inclusivity with the demand for efficiency in time and
condition-sensitive environments.

3. Leadership Model: Transformational Leadership Model at EEP

Application: Transformational leadership model in EEP’s electrification project
When EEP's transformational leadership is guided by its mission to expand energy access and
sustainability, focusing on the following four key pillars: inspiration, innovation, individual
development, and strategic alignment we can call it a transformational leadership model.
✓ If the leadership builds a shared vision by formulating a clear and compelling vision of
achieving universal energy access by leveraging Ethiopia’s renewable energy potential and
communicates this vision across all levels, aligning employees and stakeholders with the
organization strategic goals
✓ If the leadership of EEP fosters innovation by encouraging innovation in the design and
execution of key projects such as GERD and emphasizes on modern hydro power
technologies and efficient energy distribution
✓ If the leadership of the organization develops individual potential by implementing
capacity building programs, providing employes with training in technical skills and
project management as well as if it plays a monitoring role in ensuring that individuals
contribute effectively to the organization’s mission
✓ If the leadership is driving organizational change by the principles of improving the
organization’s operational processes, transitioning from traditional methods to technology

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

driven systems which can include digitalized grid monitoring and introducing renewable
energy management system platform.
When the leadership performs the above tasks and analyzes strategic alignment by embedding the
leadership model into organizational operation, workforce empowerment by focusing on employee
development, national impact by the contribution to Ethiopia’s regional leadership in renewable
energy as well as passes the challenges related to change resistance and resource limitation, it is
said to be, applying a transformational leadership model.
4. Leadership Approach: Task-Oriented and People-Oriented Leadership at EEP
If the leadership approach of the organization adopts a task-oriented approach to ensure the
successful execution of remarkable infrastructure projects, such as the GERD or people-oriented
approach to address workforce moral and stakeholder engagement, we can say that it is definitely
applying leadership approaches.
✓ If it sets clear objectives and timelines for the completion of projects and focuses on
delivering milestones such as increasing electricity generation capacity and expanding the
national grid
✓ If it ensures optimal allocation of resources from technical expertise to funding, optimize
delay and maximize output.
✓ If it conducts regular evaluation of project stages, identify risks and implement corrective
action promptly.
✓ If it initiates capacity building programs to upskill employees and enhance their ability to
manage complex projects
✓ If it encourages collaboration and recognizes individual contributions to foster motivation
✓ If it actively engages with community representatives, government bodies and international
partners to build trust and gain support.
✓ If it involves employees and stakeholders in decisions on project impacts and ensures that
their concerns are addressed.
5. Leadership Framework: McKinsey 7-S Framework at EEP

At EEP, a leadership framework like the McKinsey 7-S Framework can be instrumented to
address challenges in scaling operations and aligning its vision with national development
priorities. If the organization applies McKinsey 7-S framework which comprises three hard
elements and four soft elements illustrated below, we can certainly say that the organization is
applying frameworks;

Hard Elements:

1. Strategy: which emphasizes leveraging Ethiopia’s renewable energy potential,

particularly hydropower, to meet national and regional energy demands and the leadership
of the organization aligns its leadership priorities with the government’s GTP.
2. Structure: when the organization restructures its operations into specialized units focusing
on generation, transmission and electrification projects to enhance efficiency and clear role
description improves accountability and decision making.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

3. Systems: if the EEP introduces new systems such as digitalized project monitoring and
smart grid technologies to modernize operations and improve service delivery.

Soft Elements:

4. Shared Values: if the leadership instills a shared vision of energy sustainability and
national pride, embodies by flagship projects like GERD to unify imployees and
stakeholders under common vision
5. Skills: if capacity building programs enhance technical and managerial skills within the
organization to ensure the workforce handle complex energy projects
6. Style: when a collaborative leadership style encourages open communication between
management and employees and fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
7. Staff: if strategic recruitment and retention efforts ensure the talents necessary to execute
its remarkable goals and training initiatives bridge skill gaps and prepare staff for
leadership roles.

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Individual Assignment on Understanding the Different Aspects of Leadership

References
CFI. (n.d.). Retrieved from
(https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/leadership-styles/)
Kotter, J. (2017). What leaders really do. In Leadership perspectives (pp. 7-15). Routleodge, 7-
15.
library.fiveable.me. (n.d.). Retrieved from (https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/the-dynamics-
of-leading-organizations/leadership-models)
Managing life at work. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://managinglifeatwork.com/leadership-styles-
definition-types-and-examples/
Nulab. (n.d.). Retrieved from (https://nulab.com/learn/collaboration/leadership-models/)
The konwledge academy. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/leadership-models/
thelazyleader. (n.d.). Retrieved from (https://thelazyleader.co/4-different-approaches-to-
leadership-the-lazy-leaders-definition-of-leadership/)
uk.indeed. (n.d.). Retrieved from (https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-
development/leadership-models)
WallStreetMojo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/leadership-theories/

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