*SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP (HERSEY & BLANCHARD)*

Question 1

FEATURES OF THE SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP APPROACH

General

Answer 1

Different situations require different styles of leadership which means, that an effective leader needs to adapt to every different situation he is facing.

The leader should recognize the competencies of his followers and match his style of leadership to the skills of the followers.

• Focuses on followers, rather than wider workplace circumstances
• Leaders should change their behavior according to type of followers and situation

Question 2

Situational Leadership Model

2 Forms of Behavior

Answer 2

• Directive Behavior (one-way communication):
  
  • Helps followers to achieve goals with one direction
  • Needs to communicate the goal, define timelines and methods on how to reach them (no vice versa)
• Supportive Behavior (two-way communication):
  
  • 2-way communication between leader and followers (vice versa)
  • seeking for input, moderating, problem solving, praises people and listens
  • Establish confidence & commitment
    
    • intrinsic motivation

Question 3

Strengths & Weaknesses of the Situational Approach

Answer 3

Pros

• High practicability
• Prescription value: recipe for the leader
• Emphasizes leader flexibility
• Reminds to treat each follower differently

Cons

• Assumptions not justified by research
• Ambiguous conceptualization of followers’ development levels
• Fails to account for gender or demographic characteristics

Question 4

HOW DOES THIS LEADERSHIP THEORY WORK?

Answer 4

1. Determine the nature of the situation

2. Adapt style to situation

Question 5

Situational Leadership Model

Name the 4 styles

Answer 5

1. Directing
   
   • Leaders with all decisions without consulting subordinates
2. Coaching
   
   • Leader is more receptive to input and feedback from subordinates
3. Supporting
   
   • Leader participates in decision making, but most decisions made by the team
4. Delegating
   
   • Leader provides minmal direction and guidance