Contingency Leadership Flashcards
What does contingency mean and explain the contingency leadership theory?
Contingency means = it depends
Contingency theories of leadership sees effective leadership as constituting the most appropriate style based on the circumstance
Give some features of contingency theory?
Effective leadership is based on number of variables or contingent factors
No one right wat to lead that will fit all situations
Ability of a manager to be a leader depends on the particular situation and vary case to case
Explain the Fiedler’s Contingency Model?
It accepts the concept that leaders differ in the extent of their orientation to the task in relation to their orientation to relationship/people.
It puts forward the view that any of the above orientation will be effective given the right circumstances.
It identifies the situations where each kind of leader will be effective
How does Feidler’s theory work?
Calculate the style using Least Preferred Coworker scale (LPC)
- Leader to member relations (liked and respected leaders have more support)
- Task structure (if tasks/goals are clear leaders can exert more influence)
- Leader’s position to power (amount of power in the position)
Explain the Situational leadership model?
It is based on the theory that leadership behavior is contingent upon one major situational factor (the development level of followers)
Development level is the degree to which subordinates have the competence and commitment required to accomplish the task or goal
What are competence and commitment?
Competence: Skill needed for a specific task
Commitment: Attitude regarding the task
What are the behaviors in the situational model?
Directing: providing specific direction on how to do a task
Coaching: Giving direction but also being supportive
Supporting: Emphasize two way communication and collaboration
Delegating: little direction or support is needed
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Fiedler’s theory?
Strengths:
- Backed by a large amount of research
- First to emphasize the impact of situations on leaders
- Predictive of leadership effectiveness
- Allows leaders to not be effective in all situations
Weaknesses:
- Does not adequately explain the link between styles and solutions
- The validity of the LPC scale is questioned
- Not easily used in ongoing organizations
- Situations not easy to change
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Situational theory?
Strengths:
- Recognized by many as a standard for training leaders
- Practical approach, easy to understand
- Stresses that there is no best style of leadership
Weaknesses:
- Does not have strong research findings to back up
- Not clear in how subordinates move from low to high developments or how commitment changes over time
