Session 5 - Situational approach

Question 1

What is the situational approach? (in one sentence/ quote)

Answer 1

Leaders match their style to the competence and commitment of subordinates

Question 2

What perspective does the situational approach take?

Answer 2

• focus on leadership in situations
• adapting style - different situations, different forms of leadership
• used in trainings/ development a lot

Question 3

how does the situational approach work? (two tasks)

Answer 3

• leaders have two taks in any given situation:
  1. diagnose the situation (e.e.g, developmental level of employee)
  2. adapt their style

Question 4

What is the definition /reasoning behind the situational approach? (two dimensions)

Answer 4

• Comprised of both a directive dimension & supportive dimension:
• Each dimension must be applied appropriately in a given situation
• Leaders evaluate employees to assess their competence and commitment to perform a given task

Question 5

What is a leadership style?

Answer 5

the behavior pattern of an indivual to attempts to influence others
it inlcudes both task and relationship behavior

Question 6

What is the first dimension - directive behavior of the situational approach?

Answer 6

Directive behaviors - Help group members in goal achievement via one-way communication through:
- Giving directions
- Establishing goals & how to achieve them
- Methods of evaluation & time lines
Defining roles

Question 7

What is the second dimension - supportive behavior of the situational approach?

Answer 7

Supportive behaviors - Assist group members via two-way communication in feeling comfortable with themselves, co-workers, and situation
- Asking for input
- Problem solving
- Praising, listening

Question 8

What are the four styles of leadership?

Answer 8

1. directing
2. coaching
3. supporting
4. delegating

Question 9

What is S1 - the directing style? And how does it

Answer 9

S1 – directing:

Less supportive behavior
Communication is on goal achievement

Question 10

What is S2 - the coaching style?

Answer 10

S2 – coaching:

Requires leader involvement through encouragement
Communication is on goal achievement and supporting subordinates social emotional needs

Question 11

What is S3 - supporting style?

Answer 11

S3 – supporting:

Leader does not focus solely on goals
Brings out employee skills
Leader has decision making control and facilitates problem solving

Question 12

What is S4 - delegating style?

Answer 12

S4 – delegating:

Less task input and social support
Leader is less involved in planning, controlling and goal clarification
Gives subordinates control and refrains from intervention

Question 13

What are development levels in the situational approach?

Answer 13

Degree to which subordinates have competence & commitment to accomplish task

Question 14

what are the four levels of development of employees?

Answer 14

D1: low competence, high commitment
D2: some competence, low commitment
D3: Mod-high competence, low commitment
D4: high competence, high commitment

Question 15

How do you match leadership styles to the development levels?

Answer 15

Question 16

What is criticsm on the situational approach?

Answer 16

• lack of empirical foundation, validity is questionable
• unclear how commitment/ competence are conceptualised for each development level
• not clear how demographics influence leadership.subordinate prescription
• 1:1 vs group leadership is not adressed

Question 17

what are strengths of the situational approach?

Answer 17

• easy to conceptualize and aply
• straightforward = makes it easy for managers to apply
• breadth of situational approach = for all types of organizations and levels