What should leaders first assess in order to apply the situational leadership model?
The situational theory of leadership suggests that no single leadership style is best. Instead, it depends on which type of leadership and strategies are best-suited to the task. According to this theory, the most effective leaders are those that are able to adapt their style to the situation and look at cues such as the type of task, the nature of the group, and other factors that might contribute to getting the job done. Show
Situational LeadershipSituational leadership theory is often referred to as the Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Theory, after its developers, Dr. Paul Hersey, author of "The Situational Leader," and Kenneth Blanchard, author of "One-Minute Manager." Leadership StylesHersey and Blanchard suggested that there are four primary leadership styles:
Maturity LevelsThe right style of leadership depends greatly on the maturity level (i.e., the level of knowledge and competence) of the individuals or group. Hersey and Blanchard's theory identifies four different levels of maturity, including:
Matching Styles and LevelsLeadership styles may be matched with maturity levels. The Hersey-Blanchard model suggests that the following leadership styles are the most appropriate for these maturity levels:
How It WorksA more "telling" style may be necessary at the beginning of a project when followers lack the responsibility or knowledge to work on their own. As subordinates become more experienced and knowledgeable, however, the leader may want to shift into a more delegating approach. This situational model of leadership focuses on flexibility so that leaders are able to adapt according to the needs of their followers and the demands of the situation. The situational approach to leadership also avoids the pitfalls of the single-style approach by recognizing that there are many different ways of dealing with a problem and that leaders need to be able to assess a situation and the maturity levels of subordinates in order to determine what approach will be the most effective at any given moment. Situational theories, therefore, give greater consideration to the complexity of dynamic social situations and the many individuals acting in different roles who will ultimately contribute to the outcome. Situational Leadership IIThe Situational Leadership II (or SLII model) was developed by Kenneth Blanchard and builds on Blanchard and Hersey's original theory. According to the revised version of the theory, effective leaders must base their behavior on the developmental level of group members for specific tasks. Competence and CommitmentThe developmental level is determined by each individual's level of competence and commitment. These levels include:
SLII Leadership StylesSLII also suggests that effective leadership is dependent on two key behaviors: supporting and directing. Directing behaviors include giving specific directions and instructions and attempting to control the behavior of group members. Supporting behaviors include actions such as encouraging subordinates, listening, and offering recognition and feedback. The theory identifies four basic leadership styles, including:
The main point of SLII theory is that not one of these four leadership styles is best. Instead, an effective leader will match his or her behavior to the developmental skill of each subordinate for the task at hand. Key FactorsExperts suggest that there are four key contextual factors that leaders must be aware of when making an assessment of the situation. Consider the RelationshipLeaders need to consider the relationship between the leaders and the members of the group. Social and interpersonal factors can play a role in determining which approach is best. For example, a group that lacks efficiency and productivity might benefit from a style that emphasizes order, rules, and clearly defined roles. A productive group of highly skilled workers, on the other hand, might benefit from a more democratic style that allows group members to work independently and have input in organizational decisions. Consider the TaskThe leader needs to consider the task itself. Tasks can range from simple to complex, but the leader needs to have a clear idea of exactly what the task entails in order to determine if it has been successfully and competently accomplished. Consider the Level of AuthorityThe level of authority the leader has over group members should also be considered. Some leaders have power conferred by the position itself, such as the capacity to fire, hire, reward, or reprimand subordinates. Other leaders gain power through relationships with employees, often by gaining respect from them, offering support to them, and helping them feel included in the decision-making process. Consider the Level of MaturityAs the Hersey-Blanchard model suggests, leaders need to consider the level of maturity of each individual group member. The maturity level is a measure of an individual's ability to complete a task, as well as his or her willingness to complete the task. Assigning a job to a member who is willing but lacks the ability is a recipe for failure. Being able to pinpoint each employee's level of maturity allows the leader to choose the best leadership approach to help employees accomplish their goals. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By Kendra Cherry
Thanks for your feedback! What should leaders first assess in order to apply the situational?follower's ability and willingness to accomplish a particular task. What should leaders first assess in order to apply the situational leadership model? A. The level of task and relationship behavior that will likely produce successful outcomes.
How is situational theory of leadership applied?Situational leadership theory suggests that leaders should adapt their leadership styles based on the readiness, current skills, and developmental level of team members (5). It provides the leader with the flexibility to assess the situation and adopt a leadership style that best fits the needs of the follower.
What are the 4 leadership styles of Situational Leadership?The Situational Leadership model addresses four types of leadership styles, based on the follower:. Telling.. Selling.. Participating.. Delegating.. What are the three factors of the situational leader approach?Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory. Telling: Directive and authoritative approach. ... . Selling: The leader is still the decision maker, but he communicates and works to persuade the employees rather than simply directing them.. Participating: The leader works with the team members to make decisions together.. What are the situational factors for determining leadership styles?The key situational factor that determine leadership effectiveness is leader-member relationship, task structure and position power. All these factors helps the leaders to improve their effectiveness.
Which of the following statements is true of the Situational Leadership model?Which of the following statements is true of the Situational Leadership model? It maintains that leaders who correctly base their behaviors on follower maturity will be highly effective.
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