A Multilevel Systems Model of Leadership

This study uses a control theory to develop a multilevel systems model of leadership. The model outlines the processes that senior leaders can use to influence others across hierarchical levels of management and clarifies the mechanisms that link leadership across levels of management—goal cascading, alignment, and the bypass channel of communication. The authors discuss leadership behaviors needed to effectively influence others across a cybernetic process of leadership. Embedded within the multilevel systems model of leadership is a micro-level cybernetic model that focuses on the temporal process that leaders use to influence individuals in the pursuit of goal achievement. Keywords control theory, leadership, leadership behavior The leadership literature is immense and has chronicled the study of classical approaches (e.g., the Ohio State model, the contingency model), contemporary approaches (e.g., trans-formational leadership and leader–member exchange), alternative approaches (e.g., implicit theories and substitutes for leadership), and new wave approaches (e.g., self