Ch 9.4 Flashcards
What do situational leadership theories suggest?
Leadership effectiveness depends on the situation, including employee traits, task nature, and organizational characteristics.
What is Fiedler’s Contingency Theory?
It states that leadership success depends on both the leader’s style and how favorable the situation is for influence.
How does Fiedler measure leadership style?
Through the Least Preferred Co-worker (LPC) scale—high LPC means relationship-oriented, low LPC means task-oriented.
What is LPC
A co-worker (now or in the past) that a leader found hard to work with on a task
What does a high LPC score mean in Fiedler’s theory?
A high LPC (Least Preferred Coworker) score means the leader is relationship-oriented. Even if they don’t like working with someone, they still see their good qualities. They care more about keeping good relationships.
What does a low LPC score mean
A low LPC score means the leader is task-oriented. If someone isn’t good at the job, the leader sees them negatively overall. They care more about getting the job done.
What makes a situation favorable in Fiedler’s theory?
Good leader-member relations, structured tasks, and strong position power.
When is task-oriented leadership most effective in Fiedler’s model?
In very favorable or very unfavorable situations.
When is relationship-oriented leadership most effective in Fiedler’s model?
In situations of medium favorability.
What is House’s Path-Goal Theory?
It focuses on how leaders clarify the path to goals, linking employee effort to rewards.
Why is it called “Path-Goal” Theory?
Leaders help employees see the path to achieving their goals, increasing satisfaction and motivation.
What are the four types of leadership in Path-Goal Theory?
Directive, Supportive, Participative, and Achievement-oriented.
What does a Directive leader do?
Sets work schedules, maintains standards, and clarifies expectations.
What does a Supportive leader do?
Builds friendly relationships and supports employee well-being.
What does a Participative leader do?
Involves employees in decision-making and considers their input.
What does an Achievement-oriented leader do?
Sets high goals, encourages effort, and expresses confidence in employees.
What two situational factors affect leadership in Path-Goal Theory?
Employee characteristics and work environment.
How do employee characteristics affect leadership effectiveness?
Different employees need different leadership styles—e.g., high achievers prefer achievement-oriented leadership.
How does the work environment influence leadership effectiveness?
Clear tasks need less direction, while ambiguous tasks require more guidance and participation.
What type of leadership works best for routine, frustrating jobs?
Supportive leadership.
What type of leadership works best for unclear, challenging tasks?
Directive and Participative leadership.
What does Path-Goal Theory predict better—job satisfaction or job performance?
It predicts job satisfaction and leader acceptance better than job performance.
