Situational and Contingency Theories of Leading

relations-oriented behavior

also known as consideration, involves concern for relationships and socioemotional support

task-oriented behavior

also known as initiating structure, involves providing direction and enforcing performance standards needed to drive production

contingency approaches

the relationship between leader behavior and leadership effectiveness depends on the situation

directive leadership

provides clarity and direction for subordinates

supportive leadership

promotes a friendly work climate by focusing on subordinate needs and well-bing

achievement-oriented leadership

focused on building subordinates’ confidence to achieve high standards through its focus on excellence and goal setting

participative leadership

focuses on consulting with subordinates and taking their suggestions into account before making decisions

follower readiness

the amount of experience or ability the follower has to do the job

task structure

describes whether the task is highly defined (high structure) or ambiguous (low structure)

leader position power

describes the amount of formal authority associated with the position of the leader

leader-match

the leader cannot change his or her style and therefore needs to change the situation to match the style

development level

degree to which followers have the competence and commitment necessary to accomplish a given goal or activity (high development = interested and confident; developing level = little skill but have motivation and confidence)

directing

high levels of commitment and low levels of competence require a high directive and low supportive leadership behavior

coaching

low commitment and low competence require a high directive and high supportive leadership behavior

supporting

moderate to high competence and variable commitment require a low directive and high supportive leadership behavior

delegating

high competence and high commitment require low directive and low supportive leadership behavior