'The situation is irrelevant; all that any leader needs to succeed is individual charisma.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
2. Syllabus: traditional and modern theories of leadership: universalist and behavioural theories.
3. Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited): For: ∞ this theory believes that great leaders are born rather than made because they possess the characteristics and qualities that make them great.
4. ∞ Wood proposed the 'great-man/woman' theory, and charismatic or transformational leaders also come into this category.
5. ∞ Charismatic people have achieved phenomenal things, even when they are terrible.
6. Against: ∞ There are theories of situational leadership (e.g. Hersey and Blanchard)
7. ∞ There are theories of Adaptive leadership (to the situation) e.g. Heifetz (1997) but a great leader could adapt.
8. ∞ Successful leadership shows a relationship between leaders and followers.