Murphy 1941 in his discussion of leadership defines leadersh

Murphy (1941), in his discussion of leadership, defines leadership as a sociological phenomenon and suggests that it is not a psychological phenomenon. Define leadership sociologically and psychologically. Why does Murphy take the position that it is essentially sociological in nature?

Solution

Sociological definition of leadership states that leadership is nothing but a relationship as well as interplay between two or more than two actors in a particular context. One of the actors is the leader and the other actors are known as followers. Followers perform their actions as per the guidance and the instructions provided by the leader. The particular context in question is nothing but the situation surrounding the leader-follower relationship.

Psychological definition of leadership states that leadership is that process that is able to influence the mental, emotional and cognitive state of others in a positive manner so that their contributions towards achievement and realization of group goals and objectives becomes amplified, more pronounced and more meaningful.

Murphy’s position is essentially sociological in nature as it takes a situational approach to leadership. Secondly as per Murphy without leadership all social activities would be blind and disorderly and it is only leadership that brings about a sense of direction in social activities.