Critique Of The Presidential Leadership Models To American Presidents

Question: Discuss the critique of the Presidential Leadership Model. Answer: The presidential leadership involves a complex responsibility of leading the nation by establishing opportunities to move in new directions and leading others in turbulent time. In this regard, extraordinary leadership skills are necessary to enhance the ability of the president face divisive governments and partisan polarization. To meet the institutional, political and personal capacities, Paul Quirk posits three different presidential leadership models that foster success. The models provide perspectives that can be utilized to understand leadership in the modern presidency better as well as evaluating the performance of a selected individual president. Critique of the Presidential Leadership Models The models of presidential leadership are based on applying the individual competence in executing the roles and responsibility held upon by the presidents position. The first model includes the self-reliant presidency which is based on implementing a personal approach to addressing the issue of governing the people. Unlike other leadership models, the autonomous model ensures the individual president bear a significant share of responsibility in addressing problems and challenges facing the country. The model requires the president to have sufficient knowledge, literacy and education necessary to manage the resources or handle challenges wisely. The role promotes the chances of the president playing the greater role in the achievement of goals and creating opportunities for new directions[1]. The second model involves the minimalist presidency. According to research, the model requires the president to have little or no understanding of selected issues rather depend on subordinates to address such problems. According to the model, the president has a more limited role as a facilitator of change. The model appears ineffective in ensuring the president plays the role of addressing challenges or providing directions and support to achieve national policy rather makes the presidency a passive role. However, the model promotes the distribution of power to the subordinates compared to the self-reliant presidency model[2]. The third model involves the strategic competence model where the president had less knowledge about the operations but expected to make appropriate choices on addressing various situations. In this model, the president acts as both a facilitator of change as well as providing coherence, direction and support critical to handle multiple national goals. The model appears useful in articulating both the self-reliant and minimalist presidency models to promote effective outcomes. The models strong areas include the presidents ability to make choices despite having subordinates to handle other matters. It also serves as the most efficient model compared to the others[3]. Application of the Models to American Presidents Various American leaders exhibited the models described above during their reign. For example in the self-reliant model, President Franklin Roosevelt serves as the best example of the model. The president is recognized for his dedication in addressing challenges facing the citizens and was highly regarded. Roosevelt was an effective leader, self-confident and was committed to the public service. Besides, he possessed the required skills, appetite for knowledge and had a clear vision for the country. All the qualities and way of leadership fits the self-reliant model. The second model of minimalist presidency applies to President Ronald Reagan as the model transformed the US economy. Reagan understood the leaders role in preparing and protecting a model that appealed to most Americans up-to-date. He connected with the citizens by providing minimal powers as a president but rather empowering the subordinates ensuring equality[4]. The third model of strategic competence relates to different leaders such as Kennedy. His approach to leadership was influenced by his vision, decision-making styles and delegation of duties. For example, the president was engaged in foreign affairs and conceived a greater role as well as cooperating with others on administration. Conclusively, the leadership model adopted by any President has impacts on his performance as well as how he relates to the people. As witnessed in all the American Presidents, each has a unique model which also determined the progress of the country such as President Reagans model. References Edwards, George. Presidential Leadership: Politics and Policy Making. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2014 Gaval, Kathleen Donahue. "Presidential Transitions: Presidents' Perspectives on Building the Senior Leadership Team." Order No. 3357490, University of Pennsylvania, 2009, https://search.proquest.com/docview/304984445?accountid=45049 (accessed June 16, 2016). Hald-Mortensen, Christian. "John F. Kennedy-Leadership Qualities That Moved A Nation." PhD diss., University of Pittsburgh, 2007. Nelson, Michael. The Presidency and the Political System, tenth edition. CQ Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-1452240435