MILITARY LEADERSHIPAND IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS LEADERS IN THE LIGHT OF ALTERNATIVE THEORIES

Abstract

Military leadership generally performs in a highly risk taking conditions through the right combination of style relevant to the situation. The business leaders also face somewhat similar situation in today’s competitive business world. Military leadership styles were analyzed in the light of alternative theories of leadership from different schools of thought. The aim was to compare and explore application of the relevant features of military leadership in the competitive business world. Despite the difference in the display of leadership styles in the two areas the generic success of leadership may stem from same set of common features. In the light of theoretical developments on the success of leadership certain features of military leadership which can be applicable in the business world were explored. The study addressed both theoretical and empirical dimensions of the research question, within the context of Pakistan. The theoretical foundation followed from the debate on the alternative leadership theories from three different schools of thought i.e. trait theories, process theories and contingency theories. The results may prove to be helpful to business leaders to improve their leadership effectiveness.