Evolvement and Frontier of Leadership Theory

This paper reviews the evolvement of leadership theory abroad at three phases as following: the development of traditional leadership theory,the monopoly of transactional-transformational leadership theory,and the emergency of four-factor leadership theory.Then it argues that every leadership theory is the reflection of management practice in a given background and has contributed to the development of leadership theory.It also argues that there is no best leadership theory.Finally,it gives a prospect of future research in leadership theory.