Can Leadership Be Developed by Applying Leadership Theories? : An Examination of Three Theory-based Approaches to Leadership Development

Investigates the possibility of leadership development by application of leadership theory. Through a critical literature review, examines empirical studies utilizing three development approaches: Fiedler's Contingency Model, Burns and Bass's Transformational Leadership Theory, and Avolio's Authentic Leadership Theory. Concludes that, while leadership can be generated employing any of these theories, an overall framework for developing leadership is lacking. Presents a possible framework, based on the transformational and authentic leadership models.