LEAD 201 Situational Approach

What is the Situational Approach (Hersey & Blanchard)?

composed of both a directive & supportive dimension

What is the definition of leadership style?

the behavior pattern of an individual who attempts to influence others

Define directive behaviors

help group members in goal achievement via one-way communication:

• giving directions

• establishing goals & means

• defining roles

Define supportive behaviors

assist group members via two-way communication in feeling comfortable with themselves, coworkers, & the situation

What is Hersey & Blanchard’s “Situational Leadership II Model”?

divided into directive (x-axis) and supportive behaviors (y-axis)

What is the second part of the Hersey & Blanchard Model?

the development of followers based on competence & commitment

Define directing style (S1)

• leader focuses communication on goal achievement

• spends less time using supportive behaviors

• directly TELLING followers (D1) what to do and how

Define coaching style (S2)

• leader focuses communication on BOTH goal achievement & supporting subordinates’ socioemotional needs

  • requires leader involvement through encouragement & soliciting subordinate input

Define supporting style (S3)

• leader does NOT focus solely on goals; uses supportive behaviors to bring out employee skills in accomplishing tasks

• leader delegates day-to-day decision making control but facilitates problem solving

Define delegating style (S3)

• leader offers LESS task input & social support, facilitates subordinates’ confidence & motivation in relation to task

• leader lessens involvement

• gives subordinates control & refrains from intervention

What is the D1 follower level?

low competence, high commitment

What is the D2 follower level?

low to some competence, low commitment

What is the D3 follower level?

moderate to high competence, variable commitment

What is the D4 follower level?

high competence, high commitment

What is the focus of the situational approach?

assumes that subordinates move along the developmental continuum of competence & commitment

What does leader effectiveness depend on in the situational approach?

• assessing subordinate’s developmental position

• adapting leadership style to match subordinate developmental level

How does the situational approach work?

1st: assess/diagnose the situation

2nd: adapt leadership style to employee/follower

What are the strengths of the situational approach?

1. marketplace approval: this approach provides a credible model for training employees

2. practicality: straightforward approach that is easily understood & applied

3. prescriptive value: clearly outlines what to do and what not to do

4. leader flexibility: stresses leaders change their styles based on task requirement and subordinate needs

5. differential treatment: based on the premise good leaders need to treat subordinates according to unique needs

What questions should be asked when using the situational approach?

1. What is the task subordinates are being asked to perform?

2. How complicated is it?

3. What is their skill set?

4. Do they have the desire to complete the job?