“one size fits all,” so it is impossible to make a blanket statement regarding whether internal or external factors play a more significant role than the other. “The primary function that an organization must achieve is the regularization of activities to provide a stable base for productive operation. The organization must maintain an internal integrity that allows it to respond to routine events in reliable and predictable ways” (1997: 2). Organizations need to develop standard operating procedures, but have to remain flexible enough to allow rapid change in response to a changing market. Chemers refers to what he calls the “critical process of leadership,” which, for lack of a better phrase, is an itinerary of how one plans to lead. The first step in the process is defining what is required to become an effective leader. A self-assessment, of sorts, will allow the new leaders insight as to what attributes they already possess, which ones they will need to attain and or refine, and how to go about achieving this first step in the most effective, efficient manner possible. The next phase of the process is combining all of the aspects in such a way that realization of a common goal is accomplished. “People who are perceived as successful and effective leaders usually have an inspiring goal or an inspiring way of describing the goal; they are trustworthy, honest, and fair; and they are confident optimistic, and energetic. This is contemporary America’s view of the ideal leader” (1997: 18). He states that to be effective, any leader must convey an aura of credibility and competence. Successful attainment of this is very difficult when you have no reputation to fall back on, so relying on precedence set by leaders that are seen as having been superior leaders is the most effective way of becoming a quality leader. Chemers shows a connection with prior leaders through Benn...
