The Great Man Theory - Implications, Assumptions, Examples, Criticism and Weaknesses

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The Great Man Theory states that some individuals are born with traits that set them apart. These attributes help them to achieve positions of great power and authority.

The Great Man Theory also explains that unique men with high courage, superior intellect, and extraordinary leadership skills because of their natural attributes have a decisive effect on others.

As per the Great Man Theory, great leaders are born and not made

Who Created the Great Man Theory?

The Great Man Theory is the work of Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish philosopher, who delivered related lectures in the year 1840. These were later published as On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History.

Assumptions of the Great Man Theory

Great leaders have special qualities from birth that help them to rise by their instinct.

These qualities are needed by the times and that is why people can develop these qualities and become great leaders.

Implications of the Great Man Theory

Leaders are given by gods to humans and their actions are proof of divinity.

The ingrained abilities are enough to lead followers and achieve success.

Leadership abilities and effectiveness are not related.

It does not believe that leaders can be created for specific tasks by learning or training.

Examples

1. Odin
2. Shakespeare
3. Martin Luther
4. Rousseau
5. Napoleon

Criticism of the Great Man Theory

One of the greatest critics of the Great Man Theory was Herbert Spencer who did not accept that history was moulded by heroes’ decisions

Weaknesses of the Great Man Theory

Not everyone with leadership qualities ends up with leading followers.

If leadership was ingrained then everyone with such qualities would have been in the leadership position.

Group traits, a current leader and the environment decide the kind of leader needed at that time.


Conclusion

The Great Man Theory Remains highly popular in understanding how leadership works.

This video is on Great Man Theory and it has the following sub-topics.

Time Stamps

0:00 The Great Man Theory Introduction
00:20 What is the Great Man Theory?
01:15 Who created the Great Man Theory?
02:01 Assumptions of the Great Man Theory
02:22 Implications of the Great Man Theory
02:51 Great Man Theory Examples
03:20 Criticism of the Great Man Theory
03:45 Weaknesses of the Great Man Theory
04:07 Conclusion