This assignment started in November 2007 and ended in February 2008. Due to the topic of
this assignment and the huge possibilities embedded within, I found it quite challenging at the
beginning to find an appropriate example of a leader.
In the end I decided to write this case about someone, who is well known, controversially
discussed and not only a person but also a personality – Vladimir Putin.
A man who is not certain where to look about, rather shy, on the right hand side of this 187
cm giant Boris Jelzin. Vladimir Putin’s posture is hesitant and observant. This picture was
taken 9 years ago in 1999.
In this assignment we will learn who he was, who he became and who he is and what impact
he had on his country - Russia.
The key data for Russia are amazing. One can conclude from the size (17.075.400 square
kilometres with 142.400.000 inhabitants with eleven time zones) of the country, the
billionaires and the poor, the history and power of this state, that a lot can be achieved – for
the good or for the worse.
If we have a short look at the recent political history of Russia before Putin was elected
president, we are faced with Boris Jelzin. A great man in size, but weak in politics.
The cultural history which emerged throughout the last decades is assertiveness - almost
aggressiveness – an effective way to work oneself up the social ladder. Another trade is the
in-group collectivism and gender egalitarianism. (page 310, Leadership – Theory and
Practice, Peter G. Northouse, SAGE). Especially the trait of in-group collectivism will be a
necessary stepping-stone for Putin’s career.
Putin's well-calculated steps, from the beginning of his political career to the peak of his carrer is described and shows who is pulling the strings behind the political stage of Russia.
His leadership style is analysed against various leadership theories.
The recent events (May 2008) support the trend which is analysed in this case.
Table of Contents
From Secret Service to World Power – The rise of Russia’s Leader:
1. Preface:
2. Who is Vladimir “Vladimirovich” Putin? - Introduction:
2.1. Vladimir Putin – in brief:
2.2. Russia and his family – Putin’s background
2.3. Milestones in Putin’s career
3. Is Vladimir Putin a manager or a leader?
4. What kind of leader is Putin?
4.1. Who are his stakeholders?
4.2. What is his leadership style?
4.2.1. The three phases of leadership:
4.2.2. Transformational leadership:
4.2.3. Bennis and Nanus
4.3. Team-building and power
4.4. Success stories and failures within seven years
4.4.1. Success stories:
5. Is he good in what he is?
6. Is class-book leadership knowledge applicable and practicable in Russia?
7. Conclusion in short
8. Pictures of Russia:
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct a leadership analysis of Vladimir Putin, examining his transition from a secret service agent to a world leader, and evaluating his effectiveness within the specific sociopolitical context of Russia. The research question centers on whether Putin fits the profile of a traditional "leader" or "manager" based on established theoretical leadership frameworks.
- The biographical development and career milestones of Vladimir Putin.
- Stakeholder analysis and the consolidation of power within the Russian state.
- Application of transformational leadership theories, specifically the models by Bennis and Nanus.
- Critical evaluation of Putin’s success stories versus his failures in governing Russia.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2. What is his leadership style?
From the early beginning of the 20th century Russia lacked a strong leader. And the first democratically elected president, Boris Jelzin was not able to change this. State owned companies were privatized and oligarchs were created. And with them millionaires who ruled the country by their own will. Jelzin was too weak to change Russia for the good. His era was seen as a humiliation, a major part of the importance and power in East Europe was lost, massive inflation carried forward from year to year and ate up the savings of the inhabitants. Corruption and demoralisation ruled Russia.
With Jelzin finally resigning in 1999 - a loyal person was needed. Putin was the one, who was appointed as acting president. At this time Putin’s power was not enough to change Russia, not to mention to rule this country for the coming seven years. But this appointment put him in the position for further.
Summary of Chapters
From Secret Service to World Power – The rise of Russia’s Leader: Provides the thematic context and introduction to the case study of Vladimir Putin.
1. Preface: Outlines the motivation for selecting Putin as a case study and the scope of the assignment.
2. Who is Vladimir “Vladimirovich” Putin? - Introduction: Covers Putin's background, family, and the socio-economic context of Russia prior to his presidency.
3. Is Vladimir Putin a manager or a leader?: Frames the core research questions regarding the distinction between management and leadership in Putin's style.
4. What kind of leader is Putin?: Analyzes his stakeholder relationships, his use of referent and coercive power, and his specific leadership style.
5. Is he good in what he is?: Offers an evaluation of Putin’s performance based on the stabilization of Russia and the improvement of citizens' quality of life.
6. Is class-book leadership knowledge applicable and practicable in Russia?: Discusses the limitations of applying Western leadership theory to the unique political reality of Russia.
7. Conclusion in short: Summarizes the key findings regarding Putin's role in forming Russia's re-emergence as a world power.
8. Pictures of Russia: Presents visual documentation supporting the narrative of Putin’s leadership and its impact.
Keywords
Vladimir Putin, Leadership, Russia, Stakeholders, Power, KGB, Transformational Leadership, Oligarchs, Political History, Social Architecture, Governing, Stability, Governance, Reform, World Power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the leadership style of Vladimir Putin, analyzing his rise to power and his effectiveness in governing Russia through the lens of established leadership theories.
Which central themes are discussed?
The key themes include stakeholder management, the application of transformational leadership, the centralization of power, and the socio-economic changes in Russia under Putin's leadership.
What is the core research question?
The main question is to determine whether Vladimir Putin is classified as a manager or a leader, and if his leadership style is effective within the specific Russian environment.
What scientific methods are utilized?
The paper uses a qualitative case study approach, drawing upon biographical data, political history analysis, and established leadership models such as those by Bennis and Nanus.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body investigates Putin's background, his stakeholder groups, his specific leadership tactics, and a critical look at his achievements alongside the failures and critiques of his tenure.
What are the characterizing keywords of this study?
The core keywords include leadership, power, Russia, Putin, political stability, and transformational theory.
How does the author interpret Putin's leadership phase?
The author identifies three phases of leadership, noting that Putin has consolidated power and effectively placed allies into key positions to ensure control.
Why is the term 'pseudo transformational' used?
It is used because, while Putin influences his followers to change, he is primarily driven by his own interests and power consolidation rather than purely moral motives.
How is the concept of power applied here?
The analysis differentiates between referent, expert, legitimate, and coercive power, illustrating how Putin balances these forms to maintain his influence.
- Quote paper
- Diplom-Betrieswirtin (BA) Christine Wischlitzki (Author), 2008, Wladimir Putin Leadership, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/90451
