Read “Servant-Leadership: The Leadership Theory of Robert K. Greenleaf” by Carol Smith at http://www.carolsmith.us/downloads/640greenleaf.pdf
and view the video “Servant-Leader” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHd7s2OzpVI
Then view “The Positive Power of Servant Leadership” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC9OwLLW5HQ
Write a paper.
- Summarize the Servant-Leadership theory criticism and theory support in pages 7-9 of Smith’s paper.
- What are your views?
- Do you think the arguments in support are valid?
- How would you respond to the criticisms?
- Finally, what is your assessment of the Theory Comparison starting on page 9 of Smith’s paper?
- Do you think servant-leadership is a valid approach? Have you ever worked with or for a servant-leader?
- What did you experience?
- Is this a model that you might wish to adopt for yourself?
Solution
Summarize the Servant-Leadership theory criticism and theory support in pages 7-9 of Smith’s paper.
The Criticisms of the Servant-Leadership theory start with no scientific or empirical validation. The theorists need leadership theories to form a basis for some functional models which seems to lack in the Servant-Leadership theory. Furthermore, the critics also argue that the Servant-Leadership theory is either religious or anti-feminist. The critics state that the theory put the patriarchal norms and master-slave political system theology forwards. Then there are also concerns for usage of the theory for the coaching of moral and spiritual terms. Then there are also theorists who have concerns about applicability and practicality of the concept.
The support for the Servant-Leadership theory addresses more societal needs through moral and spiritual underpinnings. The theory focuses on the leadership motivation addresses the weakness of people. These inherent weaknesses include the potential for error in judgment, self-interested actions, and excess of pride. The theory highlights unhealthy subordinate and leader relationships. The belief of the theory that no one is better than others, including the ones who are led, is also praised. The driving force of leadership is a centric in values. Servant-Leadership theory is also admired because of its holistic approach for the individual worker. The emphasis of the theory, in today’s world of unstable and unsafe work environment on the moral and ethical grounding is also appraised.
What are your views?
In my point of view, much of the Servant-Leadership theory is based on case study, opinions, and emotional arguments. The idea of the Servant-Leadership theory, a leading service for others is the main key to the organizational change by which the adaptation of the foundations of service focused enterprise set goals for the ones who strive for the emulation of such charismatic leadership. In my point of view, the Servant-Leadership theory can flourish if the viable theory of this leadership is also defended with empirical research and examples of successful implementation through alternate personification. I find it to be quite appealing regarding its concept of the ten attributes of leaders. The concept of the leader being first a servant is also admirable for me as it holds true for me.
Do you think the arguments in support are valid?
Yes, I agree with the arguments given in support of this theory; Servant-Leadership theory. This theory is finding new proponents at this time. Alignment can fulfill the focus on the organizational, individual, and societal needs to the profound moral and spiritual underpinnings. The adherence to the weakness of the people in this model is also well-positioned. The highlight and solution to the unhealthy subordinate relationships with leaders are also appreciable in this model. The holistic approach to importance focused on the individual needs and his spiritual and economic needs is well received.
How would you respond to the criticisms?
In my point of view, the criticism of the model and Servant-Leadership theory is well based. The models essentially do not have any empirical foundation. I would respond to this criticism by suggesting putting efforts in more research into this aspect of the model. The model should be studied regarding its successful implementation in companies, and its results should be analyzed to find empirical evidence of success. The empirical foundation provided by these researchers will strengthen the model and will also justify the theory and its implementation (Trainers Tool chest, 2010).
Finally, what is your assessment of the Theory Comparison starting on page 9 of Smith’s paper?
The Servant-Leadership theory is usually compared with the transformational leadership which was later extended as well. Similarly, like the Servant-Leadership theory, transformational leadership has also become a popular model mainly because of it’s leader characteristics and the humanitarian valuation of the fellows. Both models are, however, not similar to each other. They are instead a complementary framework which shares a similar focus on the individual needs regarding both the emphasis on leadership attributes and the appreciation of the followers. Both models differ regarding the organizational objectives, resulting in cultures, measures of success and the contextual appropriateness, the transformational leader is motivated by the need of achieving the organizational goals the Servant-Leadership theory is motivated by the self-actualization of the followers. It can be said that the Servant-Leadership theory put more focus on the people over the production perspective and the transformational leadership, on the other hand, put more emphasis on the production (Simth, 2005).
Do you think servant-leadership is a valid approach? Have you ever worked with or for a Servant-leader? What did you experience? Is this a model that you might wish to adopt for yourself?
I think it is indeed a valid approach. The Servant-Leadership theory is true because I have witnessed leaders who were themselves servants but were in actual leaders of the group. Such an example can be found in our families as well where after working for years a servant becomes the one which offers leadership for many events of the family. It is also represented in organizations that foster employee development and choose their leaders among the employees who have worked, served, and led the organization the most. I think I would want to adopt this model and look if the model is practical enough to be implemented in daily routine. It would also be interesting to know if the model is easily implementable (Thibodeau, 2016). The adaptation of the Servant-Leadership theory would help the organization to pursue the economic, social, and political needs of the employees and the trust developed through the implementation of the model would yield in the form of better performance of employees, management, and organization. I think it is a valid approach because it does not put barriers between the leaders and the employees and consider everyone equal. Furthermore, it also encourages a sense of equality among all.
References
Simth, C. (2005). Servant leadership:The leadership theory of Robert K. Greenleaf. Retrieved from http://www.carolsmith.us/downloads/640greenleaf.pdf
Thibodeau, T. (2016, May 17). Positive Power of Servant Leadership | Tom Thibodeau | TEDxGustavusAdolphusCollege. Retrieved May 31, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC9OwLLW5HQ
Trainers Tool chest. (2010, May 21). Servant Leadership Video Based on Robert Greenleaf’s Writings. Retrieved May 31, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHd7s2OzpVI
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