Organizational Leadership and Change Management LDR 510
...ehavioral styles theory, situational theory, and path-goal theory. Lets discuss behavioral styles theory first. Behavioral styles leadership research began during World War II as part of an effort to develop better military leaders. It was to focus on leader behavior, instead of on personality traits. The behavioral style approach makes it clear that leaders are made, not born. Behavioral styles research also revealed that there is no one best style of leadership. The effectiveness of a particular leadership style depends on the situation at hand. Research also reveals that it is important to consider the difference between how frequently and how effectively managers exhibit various leader behaviors. (Kreitner 2001)(Need to describe what leader behaviors are advocated by the behaviorists)
Situational theories propose that the effectiveness of a particular style of leader behavior depends on the situation. As situations change, different styles become appropriate. One of the most widely known situational models of leadership was developed by Fred Fiedler (year). His model is based on the following assumption: The performance of a leader depends on two interrelated factors: (1) the degree to which the situation gives the leader control and influence – that is, the likelihood that the leader can successfully accomplish the job: and (2) the leader’s basic motivation – that is, whether the leader’s self-esteem depends primarily on accomplishing the task or on having close supportive relations with others. Fiedler believes that leaders are either task motivated or
Personal Leadership
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relationship motivated. These basic motivations are similar to initiating structure (concern for production) and consideration (concern for people). His theory is also based on the premise that leaders have one dominant leadership style that is resistant to change and the leader must learn to manipulate or influence the leadership situation in order to create a “match” between their leadership style and the amount of control within the situation at hand. (Kreitner, 2001)
Path-goal theory focuses on how leaders influence followers’ expectations. Robert House (year) originated the path-goal theory of leadership. He proposed a model that describes how expectancy perceptions are influenced by the contingent relationships among four leadership styles and various employee attitudes and behaviors. According to the path-goal model, leader behavior is acceptable when employees view it as a source of satisfaction or as paving the way to future satisfaction. In addition, leader behavior is motivational to the extent it (1) reduces roadblocks that interfere with goal accomplishment, (2) provides the guidance and support needed by employees, and (3) ties meaningful rewards to goal accomplishment. House sees the leader’s main job as helping employees stay on the right path to challenging goals and valued rewards. (Kreitner, 2001)
Personal Theory
Having identified the key elements of three leadership theories, lets compare the therory to one another and then I will choose (