Full range indeed? The forgotten dark side of leadership

PurposeThe full-range leadership theory, and the distinction between transformational, transactional and laissez-faire leadership behaviour has strongly influenced leadership theory and research in the last several decades. However, in spite of its impact on theory and practice, it has a few shortcomings, as, in its essence, it disregards several essential aspects of a leader’s behaviour, such as the dark side of leadership behaviour. Therefore, to capture various leader behaviours, we provide a more comprehensive leadership model named the “complete full range of leadership”.Design/methodology/approachBased on reviewing the relevant theoretical and empirical literature, we propose an extended theoretical model, which addresses the existing shortcomings of the full range leadership model.FindingsFirst, we added a new active and more destructive facet of leadership style named active, destructive leadership style. Second, based on existing empirical findings, we restructured the transactional facet of full-range leadership by collapsing its components into two new distinct facets representing active constructive leadership style and passive destructive leadership style. Finally, drawing on Hersey and Blanchard’s model, we add a new passive and constructive facet named passive constructive leadership.Originality/valueOur suggested “complete full range of leadership” contributes to leadership theory by addressing the gap between existing theory and empirical findings, making a clear distinction between lack of leadership and delegation and by comprising the dark side of leadership with its bright side into one comprehensive leadership model.

Applying the Full Range of Leadership

Engaged employees are connected, present, authentically self-expressive in their work roles, and committed to their organizations. Disengaged employees are disconnected and detached from their work. The extent to which employees are engaged is malleable and subject to influence and change; therefore, employee engagement can be developed. When employees believe they are supported with opportunities for growth and development, they are more likely to be engaged in their work. In this chapter, employee engagement, employee development, and full range leadership are discussed along with how leaders use transactional, transformational, and laissez-faire leadership to develop followers and encourage employee engagement.