Rational and Emotioal Levels of Change

Segment Two Part III Discussion: The Rational and Emotional Approaches to Change

Kimberly Evans-Lowe

ELM 8102 Foundations and Management II

Capella University

Leadership as an interaction between the leader, followers, situation, and the various theories that explain this interaction. It also focuses on leaders with attention to considerations of power and influence, ethics, values, diversity, multiculturalism, and attitudes, as well as types of leaders: good, bad, charismatic, transactional and transformational. The focus on followers addresses such topics as motivating subordinates, using delegation, teamwork and leading in a diverse and multicultural environment. Group leadership skills grounded in behavioral science theory and research that are essential for a successful career.

Initiating a change to culture in any organization requires careful consideration of those affected by the change. Culture is developed, transformed and transmitted through the conscious and unconscious activities of every member in the organization. It is however, the leader's driving force and ability to facilitate preferred mind-sets as well as preserve, create, and transmit the essence of existing culture as he leads his subordinates to new challenges. Culture and leadership augment each other in bringing excellence to the enterprise. (Schein, 1997).

According to Hughes, Ginnett, Curphy, (2006), there two types of leadership. The rational approach is a straight forward, no nonsense approach that follows a mathematical formula: C=DxMxP>R (p.615). This formula represents Dissatisfaction, Model, Process, Resistance, and Change (amount of change). In contrast, the emotional approach is charismatic or transformational. This leadership style creates positive change in their followers. Leadership involves both the rational and emotional sides of the human experience.

It appears that neither approach is perfect, and there could not be one without...