MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIPPhase 3 I.P.

What is leadership?

Leadership is defined as “a process of influencing a group to achieve goals” (Robbins & Coulter, 2009).

Leadership studies

Traits theory Behavioral theory Contingency theories

Frederick Fiedler’s Model of Leadership Effective leadership is dependent on style of

leadership and situational variables (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Leadership defined as “Task Oriented” or “Relationship Oriented” (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Research indicates that Task Oriented leaders perform best in high and low favorable situations (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Relationship Oriented leaders perform best in moderately favorable situations (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Effectiveness of Fiedler’s Model of Leadership Leadership style is assumed to be inflexible.

(Robbins & Coulter, 2009) “Least-Preferred Coworker” (LCP) questionnaire

designed to assess leadership style heavily criticized “Situational factors difficult to assess” (Robbins &

Coulter, 2009) Research validates much of the model (Robbins &

Coulter, 2009) Model proves that effective leadership styles must

reflect situational factors Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Hersey & Blanchard: Situational Leadership Involves the relationship between task

orientation leadership, relationship orientation leadership and the degree of maturity of the followers (Vecchio, 1987)

Follower maturity categorized as “low”, “moderate” or “high” (Vecchio, 1987)

Leadership styles summarized as “telling”, “selling”, “participating” and “delegating” (Vecchio, 1987)

Effectiveness of Situational Leadership

Situational theory lacks empirical evidence (Vecchio, 1987)

Situational theory is difficult to test due to differing degrees in the relational variables (Vecchio, 1987)

Situational theory lacks definition or clarity on the subject of effectiveness beyond the terms “appropriate” and “inappropriate” leadership

Robert House: Path-Goal Leadership

Path-goal leadership derives from expectancy theory of motivation (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Path-goal leadership states the job of the leader is to provide:

Supportive direction to followers on compatibility of personal and organizational goals (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Path free of obstacles to achievement of these goals (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Effectiveness of Path-Goal Leadership

Substantial research of path-goal leadership has been conducted (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Bulk of research sustains the logic of the path-goal theory (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

By choosing a leadership style that makes up for deficiencies in the work-place or the limitations of followers a leader can encourage feelings of job satisfaction and increase job performance (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Which theory works best in today’s working environment? The Path-Goal Leadership theory Reflects importance of both the leader and followers

to organizational goal achievements (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Reflects the need for adaptation and flexibility in leadership style to fit variables in the work-place and in unique qualities of followers with differing degrees of skill and competencies (Robbins & Coulter, 2009)

Provides the best foundation for contemporary leadership theories (House, 2008)

Leading a business team

Be flexible in task and relationship orientation Evaluate the team members, the job and the

work environment Be flexible and adaptive about leadership

styles Be receptive to and supportive of the needs of

team members Be worthy of respect, confidence, and trust

References

Fiedler, F. E. (n.d.). The contingency model: A theory of leadership

effectiveness. Retrieved January 26, 2011, from ISU Peoria

Cohort: http://peoria.k12.il.us/msmith/isu_cohort/eaf583/e-

reserves.htm

House, R. J. (2008). Path-goal theory of leadership: Lessons,

legacy and a reformulated theory. Retrieved January 24, 2011,

from EBSCOhost: http://home.ubalt.edu/tmitch/642/E

%20articles/house%20199 6%20path%20goal%20reformulaton.htm

Robbins, S. & Coulter M. (2009). Management. Upper Saddle

River: Pearson Prentice-Hall.

References

Vecchio, R. P. (1987, January 12). Situational leadership theory: An examination of a prescriptive theory. Journal of Applied Psychology 1987 Vol. 72, No. 3 .

Vroom, V. &. Jago, A. (2007, January). The role of the situation in leadership. American Psychologist.