Psycho–Political Analysis of Leadership and Democracy

Abstract

Abstract

Leadership is a kind of natural downward gradient of maturity, according to which the leader as a superior person leads followers to the goal. Those who are led are seen as less active and less willing to take responsibility. It was the social psychologist Kurt Lewin who introduced scientific research into the thinking about democracy in leadership. The findings indicated that in the democratic group more cooperative and constructive behavior was found, the feeling for group property and group goals was higher, and the group structure was more stable. Leadership is a socially accepted influence process. Leadership becomes democratic when this acceptance relies on “basic democratic principles and processes, such as self-determination, inclusiveness, equal participation, and deliberation”. In 1994 Gastil identified three primary functions that a democratic leader should fulfill: distributing responsibility, empowering others, and aiding others in their deliberations.

Keywords: Leadership – democratic style – authoritarian style – participation – cooperative – decision making