The "Great Man Theory" is a theory that has been put forward postulating that great leaders are not made but instead born. The proponents of the theory point out that these leaders come into the world while possessing specific characteristics as well as traits that enable them to lead others, and such features and characteristics are not found in other people. According to these theorists, traits such as charisma, assertiveness, influence, and authoritative as well as an action-oriented nature, encompass the inherent traits in great leaders (YouTube, n.d.). The theory that was put forward in the nineteenth century argues that in addition to these leaders having special traits, they arise when their services are much needed. There are postulations that the traits that these leaders possess make them stand out from the people around them in such a way to assist them in assuming the roles of power and authority (Spector, 2015).
While various theorists have upheld the theory, there are inherent holes that can be poked in the theory. First, there has not been empirical proof to show that the theory is beyond reproach. Further, there are observed gender-biases within the theory noting that it seems to point out at the possibility of men only becoming great leaders. Additionally, if the great leaders are born with inherent traits that make them infallible leaders, what possible explanation can be given to the fall of many of these leaders (Spector, 2015). Moreover, numerous studies in sociology and psychology have shown with empirical proof that environmental factors are critical in the growth and development of all human beings. Thus I would view the "Great Man Theory" as way off base noting that leadership traits and skills can be instilled in an individual.
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References
Spector, B. A. (2015). Carlyle, Freud, and the Great Man Theory more fully considered. Leadership , 12 (2), 250-260. doi:10.1177/1742715015571392
YouTube [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/6qS0RdZlgJI
