Theories from 1900-1970s
Theories from 1980+
Emerging theories
100

This theory states that leaders are born with certain traits such as confidence, integrity, and socialabilty.

What are trait theories?

100

This theory states that leaders inspire and motivate followers by creating vision, challenging assumptions, and developing people.

What is transformational leadership?

100

This is how leaders function in virtual or hybrid contexts

What is digital leadership?

200

This theory states that leadership is about what leaders do, not who they are

What are behavioral theories?

200

This theory states that leaders should serve followers first.

What is servant leadership?

200

This form of leadership promotes diversity, equity, and belonging.

What is inclusive leadership?

300

This theory states that leadership style depends on the situation.

What are contingency and situational theories?
300

This theory states that leaders work to mobilize people to tackle tough, complex, and changing challenges

What is adaptive leadership?

300

This form of leadership promotes the use of adaptive systems

What is complexity leadership?

400

This theory states that leadership is a structured exchange, such as rewards for performance and penalties for failure.

What is transactional leadership?

400

This theory suggests that leaders should conduct collective, team-based processing

What is distributed leadership?