Many different theories and explanations of leadership have been developed because of the interest in leadership as a practice and as a research topic. Several attempts have been made to integrate the large number of leadership theories into one comprehensive framework. The framework suggests that the leadership process is a function of the leader, group members (or followers), and other situational variables.

At the left side of the framework, leadership effectiveness refers to attaining desirable outcomes such as productivity, quality, and satisfaction in a given situation. Whether or not the leader is effective depends on the three sets of variables in the box. The left box, leader characteristics refers to the inner qualities, such as self-confidence and problem-solving ability that help a leader function effectively in many situations.

Leader behavior and style refers to the activities engaged in by the leader that relate to his or her effectiveness. A leader who frequently coaches group members, for example, might be effective in many circumstances. Group member characteristics refers to attributes of the group members that could have a bearing on how effective the leadership attempt will be. Intelligent and well-motivated group members, for example, help the leader do an outstanding job.

The internal and external environment also influences leadership effectiveness. A leader in a culturally diverse environment, for example, will need to have multicultural skills to be effective. The leader interacts with group members one at a time, and also with the group. At the same time, leadership takes place in the context of the organization and the external environment.