By
GABRIEL O. OLANIYAN Ph D
NIGERIAN APTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, OGBOMOSO
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
A PAPER SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION
SEPTEMBER 2021
Abstract
This paper focuses on leadership functions which find expression in both theories and leadership styles of the individuals in positions. Investigtion is done in the context of an increasingly competitive environment which requires that a leader places premium on innovativeness, flexibility and responsiveness. The paper recognises that despite efforts exerted in leadership training, the lack of the desired outcome is glaring, especially in emerging countries. This lack manifests in insecurity, criminality, unemployment, economic downturn, spiritual malaise, lawlessness and general frustration. The signs of outstanding leadership appear glaringly in followers as they are assisted in reaching their potentials, provided opportunities to serve and learn, manage conflicts, change with grace and achieve required results. Findings show that leadership functions are similar when considered either from biblical or management theorists’ perspectives and propositions. A leader is responsible for planning, delegating, motivating, coordinating, managing differences, directing, evaluating, controlling, and staffing the organisation he leads. The paper recommends a proposed reconstructive leadership model that employs six steps in execution. The steps include that a leader accept the position and responsibility of leadership, know and understand the contet for leadership- the cultural, economic, soial and religious environment that influence organisational behaviour learn, understand and practice visioning, planning, supervision, coordination and leading.
Introduction
This paper focuses on leadership functions, which finds expression in both theories and leadership styles of the individuals in position. The focus considers the context of an increasingly competitive environment that requires that a successful leader places a premium on innovativeness, flexibility, and responsiveness (Dess, https://rsearchgate.com). While agreeing that leadership is a glaring need in every human organisation, whether spiritual or secular, followers are too frequently willing to follow visions but the lack of exposure to authentic leadership remains a challenge (Maxwell and Elmore, 2002). One recognises that despite efforts exerted in leadership training, the lack of desired outcomes is obvious especially in emerging countries. This lack manifests in level of insecurity, criminality, unemployment, economic downturn, spiritual malaise, lawlessness and general frustration. It makes sense to conclude that practically every human endeavour depends on leadership for either success or failure (Ibid). Whereas there are many leaders, there is so little leadership (Stanko,2000). Good leadership is a surer way to leave behind a lasting legacy (Ibid). The paper’s main objective is to assist leaders and potential leaders find their bearing on the measures they need to take to perform excellently in their leadership responsibilities by understanding the step-by-step movement to effective functioning as leaders.
The paper adopts the theory that true leaders are sought after and cultivated even though leadership is not an easy subject to explain (Depree, 1989). The submission of this paper is that leadership is not dependent on individual traits only, but includes cultivation or training. The paper is structured to discuss the concept of leadership, theories of leadership, biblical perspective of leadership function, leadership functions and a conclusion.
