Understanding Leadership Styles, Altruism, and Aggression

Leadership Dynamics

When members of a group feel weak or vulnerable and confidently place their reliance on a leader, the leader assumes a more responsible and necessary role within the group.

Key Features of Effective Leadership:

• Self-confidence
• Showing acceptance and trust
• Setting objectives
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Motivating others
• Conflict resolution competence
• Talent in fostering group development

Types of Leadership:

• Authoritarian Leadership

  An authoritarian leader rigidly organizes and hierarchically orders tasks to be performed without considering alternative ideas. The social and emotional climate is typically negative, resulting in weak group cohesion.

• Democratic Leadership

  A democratic leader involves members, considers diverse ideas, bases judgments and decisions on reasoning, and suggests various approaches. This fosters a positive atmosphere and strong cohesion.

• Laissez-faire Leadership

  The laissez-faire leader grants freedom but is passive and indecisive, leading to low member satisfaction, a negative climate, and minimal cohesion.

Understanding Altruism

Altruism is defined as unselfish help given without receiving anything in return, and without regard for personal interests (e.g., charitable acts, organ donation). Three main perspectives explain altruistic behavior:

Perspectives on Altruism:

• Social Norms

  We help others because we consider it the right thing to do. Two key standards influence social behavior:

  • The rule of reciprocity, which states we should help those who have helped us.
  • The norm of social responsibility, which dictates we should help those in need.

• Social Exchange Theory

  Self-interest is the foundation of all human interaction. The objective is to maximize profits and reduce costs in social exchanges.

• Evolutionary Perspective

  This perspective suggests that genes determine us to care for relatives, thereby ensuring the survival of our genetic lineage.

Theories of Aggression

Instinct Theory of Aggression

Sigmund Freud recognized two fundamental impulses: Eros, the self-preservation instinct of life, and Thanatos, the instinct of death. He believed Thanatos needed to be channeled to prevent its destructive power. Konrad Lorenz argued that aggression is an innate animal provision serving species survival. Proponents of this theory conceive aggression as inevitable but admit it can be channeled. They believe that much evil satisfies people, thereby freeing them from guilt.

Social Learning Theory of Aggression

This theory denies the existence of an aggressive drive and defends that aggression can be triggered by a process of conditioning and learning. Situations favoring aggression include frustration, tension, and attack. Albert Bandura states that aggressive behavior is learned through reinforcement and modeling.