O level Notes : FRS - Religion- Rights And Social Responsibility - Religion and levels of leadership

Religion and levels of leadership

There are various types of leadership styles which are used or employed in different organizations. Thus, these leadership styles are also used in religious circles.

1. Servant Leadership

This type of leadership style considers others first and him or herself second. Ready to sacrifice something for others. Jesus a servant leader, died for others.

Advantages

• The morale of the followers is boosted.
• Followers are motivated to do what they are expected to do.

Disadvantage

• Difficult to implement

2. Democratic or participative leadership

In this type of leadership, work is done together as a team and consults others. Followers are involved in decision making. Ideas and input from the team is valued. A good example is of Jesus and his followers. He involved his disciples in everything he does. He was not self-centred because he involved them in some of his miracles he performed, for example, feeding of the five thousand (Matt 14: 13-21). When raising Jairus' daughter (Matt 9:18-26), he took his inner circle, Peter and James with him and performed the miracle.

Advantages

• Team work is encouraged, considering that group ideas motivate the group.
• Followers feel to be part of the organisation.

Disadvantages

• Achieving consensus among members is a problem since everyone wants his or her ideas to be considered.
• Some decisions to be given urgently, so a lot of time taken consulting.

3. Autocratic or Authoritarianism Leadership

It's a one man band type of leadership. The leader decide on behalf of the group. The leader also controls and directs all activities without involving followers or subordinates. The whole team is controlled by one leader.

Advantages

• Decision making is made faster because there is no one to consult.
• Pressure is also removed from group since all is done by leader.

Disadvantages

• One person does everything, may do things wrongly and that cannot be challenged.
• It is difficult to correct poor results as a result of this type of leadership.
• Team members are not motivated, feel abused since they are not consulted on anything.
• Morale in group or team is low.
• There is lack of accountable to anyone.

Here is what we discussed in this topic

Every citizen of Zimbabwe according to the Constitution has freedom of religion, that is, anyone is free to choose a religion to believe in, without being forced. Freedom of worship has advantages in that it ensures the survival of different religious practices. If each person was mandated to subscribe to a specific religion, then it could mean the end of less popular religions. Allowing people to choose what they want gives them the opportunity to explore all available options, ensuring the survival of lesser known religious beliefs and practices. Freedom of worship also protects the individual's freedom and liberty and promotes stability in a society. However, freedom of worship creates divisions, oppression of women and discrimination. Some white garment churches in Zimbabwe are examples of those churches which oppress women and young girls in the name of religion. They use 'dreams' or 'visions' to justify their actions of taking more and young girls as wives. Rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin since they are closely related and cannot be separated from one another. If the state gives the right to life to a citizen, it also imposes an obligation on him not to expose his life to dangers, as well as to respect the life of others. If one has a right to work and earn, it is also his or her duty to recognize the same right of others. As there is a close relationship between the body and soul, so there is a relationship between the rights and duties.

Definition of terms used in this topic

Aright- is a freedom that is protected, such as the right to free speech and religion.

Caste - social class.

Condone - allow or permit.

Cue - a hint or intimation.

Leadership skills - are the strengths and abilities that individuals demonstrate that help them oversee processes, guide initiatives and steer their employees toward the achievement of goals.

Onslaught - a fierce attack.

Responsibility –the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.