The phenomenon of leadership is found in any area of ​​society. Each team has its own leader. The same applies to states and large social organizations. The functions and typologies of political leadership were thought by even ancient thinkers. In our material, we will consider the basic scientific concepts related to leadership in the political sphere.
The concept of political leadership
The English word leader means "leading" person. It is able to influence different people in every possible way in order to integrate joint life activities. The leader, therefore, satisfies the interests of the individual community.
Political leadership is a personified form of interaction between government and society. An important role is played by authority. But influence alone is not enough. The pillars of political leadership are the following elements:
- political program;
- ability to influence the consciousness of the masses;
- active use of political functions;
- use of material resources for the implementation of software installations.
There are many typologies of political leadership. All of them are united by a common predicate, a single basis in the form of influence on the life of society. The types of such influence will be described in detail below.
Machiavelli Theory
Opens the typology of political leadership concept of the Renaissance. Its author is the famous Italian thinker Niccolo Machiavelli - one of the ideologists of motivational political theory.
The essence of the concept is simple. Machiavelli sees leadership at the core of leadership. Any desire for power can be caused only by the desire to enrich or gain credibility. To suppress his passions, the ruler must understand his people, appreciate his aspirations and ideals.
The basis of the behavior of the people are two motives: fear and love. Understanding these two qualities will help the ruler form a "technology for sustainable leadership." It consists in an equal combination of violence and encouragement - “carrot and stick”.
Thus, Machiavelli represents the leader as a strong and cunning ruler. His interaction with the people is based on authoritarian principles. The technology of stable government is the first system in the typology of political leadership.
Leadership Theory
Specific traits and abilities of a person determine his ability to manage society. This opinion is shared by Emory Bogardus, Ralph Stogdill and many other sociologists. All their teachings add up to the leader trait theory.
This is a current concept to this day, according to which the leader is a person with a certain biopsychological complex. Such features as wit, firm will, competence, ability to predict, external attractiveness and much more are characteristic of him.
Some adherents of the theory say that leadership qualities are given to a person from birth. Other thinkers claim the acquisition of necessary traits from the outside, and nothing else.
More recently, the trait theory was supplemented by a factor-analytic concept. She immediately took an important place in the typology of political leadership. According to the new concept, leadership style is the "second nature" of a person, and it is formed phenotypically, that is, from the outside.
Situational and synthetic theories
A number of sociologists see leadership as a phenomenon characteristic of a particular situation. Certain circumstances shape the political leader and determine his behavior.
The concept of situationality gives priority to external circumstances, and not to individual qualities of a person. The very concept of leadership is considered within the framework of natural evolution, and not social or personal development.
The following theory is called synthetic. It provides for the combination of all existing elements: external factors, behaviors, specific conditions, etc. Thus, a certain synthesis of a wide variety of phenomena — natural and social — is provided.
The synthetic theory is not yet fully developed, but already occupies an honorable place in the concept and typology of political leadership.
Theories of motives and constituents
Motivational theory considers leadership as a combination of various motives. In the typology of political leadership, the essence of such motives is determined by the behavior of the followers of the leader. For example, they may be more or less motivated to follow the orders of their patron. Moreover, the motives directly depend on the behavior of the leader.
The theory of constituents is widely used in countries with developed democracy. According to this concept, the leader should be elected by the people - constituents. Only they are able to empower the most attractive person. The political concept under consideration in the typology of political leadership and domination is the most relevant and reasonable.
Psychological theories
Psychologists have long been studying the phenomenon of leadership. The most striking illustration of this feature is the political sphere. The familiar Sigmund Freud laid the foundation for the formation of a psychological typology of political leadership. Summarizing his theory will not be so simple. In any case, it is associated with the suppression of libido. Unconscious sexual attraction is sublimated in different areas. Someone in work, in creativity, and another in leadership.
Freud's theory is still too peculiar. There is no clear evidence of this concept. Because of this, psychologists began to offer their explanations for such a phenomenon as political leadership.
The theory of violence as a manifestation of weakness has become widespread. Any authoritarian regimes, psychologists claimed, are caused by the unhealthy state of mind of the leader and his people.
Most psychological concepts are aimed at identifying the special features of such a phenomenon as political leadership.
Concept, typology and functions of leaders
Walfredo Pareto divided the leaders into “lions” and “foxes”. Foxes do not act in a straightforward manner, they often look for workarounds and are generally very cunning. Lions are more assertive and authoritarian. They are ready to achieve their goal in any way. This is a simple but very accurate classification. Pareto answers the question of who such political leaders are. These are community managers using various methods of leadership and manipulation.
Berne divided the leaders into converters and businessmen. The former think globally and work for the good of society. The latter focus on the details, as they think subjectively. Because of this, dealers love less than converters.
Polish sociologist Jerzy Vyatr divided the leaders into pragmatists and idealists. The former express public will, the latter care about maintaining their influence.
Finally, Max Weber regarded leaders as traditional and rationally legal. The former, as you might guess, follow the traditions. Their rule has sacred features, and power is inherited. An important role is played by faith in God and the charisma of the leader. Rational-legal leaders are elected by the population. Their relations with the masses are much simpler and more productive.
Functions of Political Leaders
Despite the many forms of leadership, the functions of popular leaders are always the same. This is the preservation of statehood and concern for the well-being of the population. Sociologists were able to classify the responsibilities of leaders.
The following groups of functions formed:
- Orientational. It is supposed to develop a certain political course.
- Integrative. Coordination of different interests, values ​​and ideals to unite different social groups.
- Mobilization. It is necessary in the implementation of profound changes in society.
- Communicative. It is aimed at ensuring a sustainable form of self-organization by maintaining close contacts with the public.
- The legitimization of the existing system. It is aimed at providing popular support.
The implementation of each group of functions will help maintain the existing state regime.
Political Leadership in Modern Russia
It is unlikely that anyone will deny that Russia is a country of political leaders. Absolute democracy in the state has not been fixed, and each ruler has a very wide range of powers. This trend continues to this day.
It is worth highlighting several features that are characteristic of our time:
- Institutionalization. Attempts are being made to disguise idealistic leadership in the form of a presidency.
- The professionalization of political government is the consolidation of powers in the law, the emergence of popular sovereignty as a guarantor, and so on.
- Weakening the position of regional leaders. In modern Russia, the institution of local elections is gradually disappearing. Increasingly, local heads are appointed by the central "ruler."
The above features do not give a clear idea of ​​exactly where Russia is heading. There are many versions. Some of them will surely be true.