THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MANAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEADERSHIP QUALITIES IN SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

The article substantiates the theoretical foundations of managing the development of leadership qualities in self-employed individuals from the standpoint of modern management theory. The relevance of the study is driven by the transformation of labor relations, the expansion of flexible forms of employment, and the growing role of individual professional autonomy in the digital economy. Unlike traditional employees operating within formal organizational structures, self-employed individuals simultaneously perform the functions of both the subject and the object of management, which determines the specific nature of leadership development within this category.
The paper systematizes scientific approaches to understanding leadership in management theory, including trait, behavioral, situational, and contemporary integrative concepts. Leadership qualities are interpreted as a manageable resource that combines personal characteristics, competencies, and behavioral manifestations, which can be purposefully developed through appropriate managerial mechanisms. The specific features of self-employment as a management object are identified, particularly managerial autonomy, the absence of a formal hierarchy, and the dominance of self-regulation mechanisms.
The study substantiates that developing the leadership qualities of self-employed individuals should be based on a systemic approach integrating self-management, competency-based learning, and socio-communicative support mechanisms. A conceptual model for managing leadership development is proposed, reflecting the relationship between initial conditions, managerial mechanisms, the process of leadership formation, and expected managerial outcomes. The theoretical significance of the research lies in expanding the understanding of leadership development beyond formal organizational contexts, while its practical value relates to applying the proposed approach in professional development programs for the self-employed.