Strategic Leadership

Strategic Leadership

Definitions

According to Barron, Henderson & Newman (1995), strategic leadership is a leadership style in which an individual display the possession of skill of developing and communicating vision and influence improvement of outcomes. Barron et al. (1995) focus on strategic leadership in schools. Strategic leaders in schools must be actively involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum programs and putting reforms into practice. Strategic leaders act as agents of change in organizations. Barron et al. (1995) posit that any change that produces desired outcomes is managed by leaders who are informed and endowed with the ability to implement theories into practice.

Kriger & Zhovtobryukh (2016) argue that strategic leadership is necessary in the modern world, characterized by dynamics in the handling of human resources and the general operational atmosphere of enterprises. Strategic leaders are individuals who can uphold the values of organizations due to the changing environment. Strategic leaders exhibit managerial brilliance and steer sustainable growth. According to Kriger & Zhovtobryukh (2016), strategic management entails dynamic leadership networks that do not emanate from formal organizational structures. The leader-follower roles in strategic leadership change depending on the situational demands in the organization and the personal capabilities of the strategic leader. Kriger & Zhovtobryukh (2016) assert that strategic leadership model fits companies operating in turbulent environments.

Norzailan, Yusof, & Othman (2016), posit that strategic leadership goes beyond the general leadership notion and involves actions at higher levels of an organization. According to Norzailan et al. (2016), vital thinking skills are an essential requirement for strategic leaders. Strategic thinking includes creative reasoning regarding alternative ways of competing and strategic options. Strategic leadership involves initiating change and coping with discontinuities in the environment. Strategic leaders also negotiate and manage the internal politics of organizations. vtencies include the ability to manage internal politics, managing change, and strategic thinking.

According to Palladan, Abdulkadir & Chong (2016), strategic leadership entails the ability of a leader to forestall, envisage, and maintain the flexibility of empowering others in the organization to develop a strategic shift where necessary. Strategic leadership is nifty and involves helping organizations to cope with dynamics in the business environment and managing through juniors. Palladan et al. (2016) posit that strategic leadership requires one to have the capability of integrating both external and internal business environments of an organization. The strategic direction also calls for a leader to have the ability to engage in the processing of multifaceted information. Palladan et al. (2016) identify various qualities that strategic leaders must possess. The qualities include the identification of the most appropriate direction to follow, the setting and establishment of standard organizational controls, insisting on ethical practices, and the effective management of corporate resources. Another quality includes the maintenance of an organizational culture that is effective.

Similarities and Differences between the Definitions

The definitions have various similarities and differences in the perception of the characteristics of a strategic leader. A similarity in the meanings of a strategic leader is that the leader must be creative. Creativity includes developing policies that match the dynamism in the world of business. Another similarity in the definitions is that strategic leadership involves individuals who are endowed with strategic thinking. A similarity in the meanings is that strategic leaders must integrate both internal and external environments (Norzailan et al., 2016). The characteristic is addressed in some definitions as strategic thinking, which helps an organization to be highly competitive. At the same time, in other descriptions, the aspect is highlighted as the ability of the leader to implement policies in a turbulent business world. Another similarity in the definitions is that strategic leaders must be able to initiate change. Strategic leaders are change agents and oversee the formulation of policies that are updated to match the ever-changing business environment.

Differences exist in the definitions. For instance, Barron et al., (1995) assert that strategic leaders are involved in putting reforms into practice while Norzailan et al., (2016) argues that strategic leadership is a type of leadership that is above the usual organizational structure suggesting that strategic direction is not involved in implementation. Another difference emanates in the identification of the characteristics and responsibilities of a strategic leader. Palladan et al., (2016) argues that strategic leaders must have the ability to insist on ethical issues among employees in an organization while Norzailan et al., (2016) asserts that strategic leaders must have the ability to negotiate and manage internal politics of an organization.

The Chosen Definition among the Discussed

The most appropriate definition of strategic leadership is that it is the type of leadership that involves initiating and setting the organization policies that steer the company towards remaining competitive and flexible in a turbulent business world. Strategic leadership includes the formulation of strategies that keep an organization on track. Strategic leadership goes beyond the usual leadership set by organizational structures. Additionally, strategic leadership does not follow the general principles of leadership. Strategic leaders must be creative because they face new challenges frequently. The new challenges call for innovativeness and flexibility. Strategic leaders must exhibit brilliance in identifying the situations of organizations that require strategic planning. The leaders must also depict firmness in the decisions they make (Barron et al., 1995). Stability is essential in instilling confidence among employees and the organization’s fraternity. Strategic leadership is significant in enabling organizations to cope with adverse operational environments that threaten the success of a company.

References

Barron, B. G., Henderson, M. V., & Newman, P. (1995). Strategic leadership: A theoretical and operational definition. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 22(2), 178.

Kriger, M., & Zhovtobryukh, Y. (2016). Strategic leadership for turbulent times. Palgrave Macmillan US.

Norzailan, Z., Yusof, S. M., & Othman, R. (2016). Developing strategic leadership competencies. Journal of Advanced Management Science Vol, 4(1).

Palladan, A. A., Abdulkadir, K. B., & Chong, Y. W. (2016). The effect of strategic leadership, organization innovativeness, information technology capability on effective strategy implementation: A study of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Journal of Business and Management, 18(9), 109-115.