Leaders vary in their motives for wanting power. The need for power is the motivation to influence or control others (PSU WC, 2014, L. 7). Leaders vary in their motives as to why they want power. A leader’s need for power could be for one of two motives, personalized or socialized. Both motives have been clearly exhibited in the Disney film The Lion King. Mufasa possessed the traits of a leader with socialized power, whereas Scar possessed the traits of a leader interested in personalized power.
When Mufasa was king, he possessed many of the traits of an individual with socialized power. Individuals that have socialized power have goals that include the entire organization (PSU WC, 2014, L. 7). Leaders with socialized power are concerned with the needs of others (Locke, 1999). Mufasa teaches Simba as a cub about the Circle of Life, he reminds Simba that everything exists together in a delicate balance and that all creatures need to be respected. He shows concern for crawling ants to anteaters, explaining to his son that each animal is connected. A need for socialized power also involves empowering and self-sacrifice (PSU WC, 2014, L. 7). Mufasa empowers Simba in the form of visions throughout the entire story. He motivates and encourages his son to regain power of the Pride Lands. Leaders with socialized power use role modeling to influence others (Locke, 1999). Mufasa shows Simba that it is okay to be fearful of things. He also explains to Simba that just because he’s king doesn’t mean that he can do whatever he wants.
Leaders with personalized power are interested in their own needs (PSU WC, 2014, L. 7). They see power as an end in itself (Locke, 1999). Scar exhibits the traits of a leader with personalized power. He wants total power, just to have it. He shows no concern for the Pride Lands. Individuals with personalized power are selfish, impulsive, lack self-control, and are uninhibited (PSU WC, 2014, L. 7). Scar killed his own brother for his insatiable need for absolute power. He deceived his family and the Pride Lands by placing the blame on Simba. Individuals with the personalized power motive are concerned with dominating others and having submissive followers (Locke, 1999). When the Pride Lands were in dire need of food, Scar refused to make the changes that were required to save the pack of lions. He would rather let them starve just to maintain his control over them.
The leadership styles in The Lion King differ tremendously because the leaders are driven by different motives. One leader focuses on selfless motives and keeping his organization (the Pride Lands) safe and thriving, while the next leader is more concerned with personal gains and selfish desires.
References:
Hahn, D. (Producer), & Allers R. & Minkoff, R. (Director). (1994). The Lion King [Motion picture]. United States: Walt Disney Pictures.
Locke, E.A. (1999). The Essence of Leadership: The Four Keys to Leading Successfully. Lanham, MD : Lexington Books.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus. (2014). Leadership in work settings. PSYCH 485. Retrieved from: https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/fa14/psych485/002/content/07_lesson/06_page.html