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Strengths and weaknesses of contingency theory of management
Strengths and weaknesses of contingency theory of management
Analysis of leadership practice as it relates to situational leadership
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According to (Uhl-Bien, Schermerhorn & Osborn, p. 306, 2014) contingency approach is the relationship between leader behavior and leadership effectiveness depends on the situation.
Contingency approach can be successful for a business when a manager will work to determine specific solutions to handle workplace issues and satisfy client’s needs. For instance, assignments by the manager will be delegated amongst employees based on relevant skills so deadlines can be fulfilled. If an issue occurs and it was anticipated, the problem can be dealt with accordingly since advanced precaution was taken. The ability for managers to utilize this approach is essential to control employees so they can get tasks done. Designating employees in certain job roles where they have the skills and are knowledgeable of their position can sustain success for a business (Contingency Approach…, 2015).
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This result can make a project more challenging where the lack of skilled personnel will not be able to accomplish the task at hand. When there’s pressure to meet deadlines, the manager has to assure that tasks are completed within a certain timeframe. The ability not to adapt to pressure or change might be detrimental to a manager who has one style which can inhibit growth. Unfortunately, if a manager is one dimensional, this can lead to failure for a business since this person is not versatile in many areas (Contingency Approach…, 2015).
The four leadership styles within the contingency model are directive leadership, supportive leadership, achievement-oriented leadership and participative leadership (Uhl-Bien, Schermerhorn & Osborn, p. 306,
2) “Attitude reflects leadership, captain”. That shows that Julius is satisfied by the way his captain is thinking. Managerial leadership has influenced organizational activities in many ways. These influences include motivating subordinates, budgeting scarce resources, and serving as a source of communication. We are referring to the LPC contingency theory. "The first and perhaps most popular, situational theory to be advanced was the ‘Contingency Theory of Leadership Effectiveness' developed by Fred E. Fiedler" (Bedeian, Glueck 504). This theory explains that group performance is a result of interaction. (Online reviews)
Giltinane (2013) identifies three leadership styles. The first is transactional leadership in which a leader is controlling and functions in a reward and punishment environment. In transactional leadership style, leaders give little room for employees to express ingenuity. Decisions are passed laterally from top down and the form of leadership is to stress obedience rather than loyalty. Transactional leadership is closely related to autocratic style (Giltinane, 2013).
My impression of leadership is the ability to motivate, inspire, set a visualization, connect, and lead by example. To become a successful leader you have to be able to convince your followers that you are trustworthy of being followed. During this semester, we have learned many, if not all of the major leadership theories and how they play a role in our everyday lives. But personally, a few of these leadership models caught me and intrigued me the whole semester so much that this paper is going to predominately be referenced about them. For example, the proposed framework that organizes leadership theories based on each theory 's focus and approach. Focus is referred to as whether or not leadership is viewed as a set of traits or actions.
Situational leadership is a theory which was designed in 1969 by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. The “contingency theories of leadership” states that a leader’s effectiveness is dependent on their behaviours in relation to different situational factors. Thus, situational leadership theory, relates to how a leader 's effectiveness is depend on their ability to adjust their leadership behaviour to the required level of the “followers” capability or if the situation is modified.
In this theory leadership style changes as needed to ensure that the goal is achieved (Huber, 2014). Each situation may need to be addressed differently, which requires flexibility by all involved, especially leadership. Managers need to evaluate every individual to understand what they are capable of and how they fit the needs of the institution and or situation (Nash, 2015). As a nurse I think this is a very important trait for a leader to have because of how quickly things change and how we must work within our environment. For example, in healthcare we sometimes have to allow others to take control of a situation on to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient. In addition, the manager needs to ensure that each person works within the scope of their practice, functions at the highest level allowed and completes their tasks. To be a successful leader in healthcare and achieve desired outcomes requires a high level of flexibility by leadership. I would also say that the contingency theory would also fit into my leadership style. The basis premise of this theory is that each situation is different and leadership needs to take that into account when managing a situation (Huber, 2014). At times a leader needs to look at the bigger picture and incorporate that in their decision making process. When looking at a specific situation taking input from all parties involved can lead to a more effective solution. We can learn a lot form those around us and need to take that in account to be an effective
(Schermerhorn, 2012) defines Contingency thinking, “Recognizes that management practices must be tailored to fit the exact nature of each situation” (p.6). The research suggests that Trader Joe’s management is very formulaic in their approaches from defining and maintaining company culture to site location and advertising methods. Daft, R. L. (2015) States, The idea behind contingency theories is that leaders can analyze their behavior to improve leadership effectiveness” (p.17).
There are different leadership theories developed throughout the history. Most popular ones are trait theories, behavioral theories, contingency theories, and leader-member exchange (LMX) theory. The author of the post will briefly discuss two theories, Fiedler contingency theory and Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), and compare and contrast their strengths and weakness.
“Contingency theory is a class of behavioral theory claiming that there is no best way to organize a corporation, lead a company, or make decisions” (Pfeffer, 1997). There is no simple or one right way to run things. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, two men named Henri Fayrol and Frederick Taylor continued the study of contingency theory. Research in the 1970’s dealt with the organizational structures and leadership styles for different situations (Thompson, 2005). Contingency theory was started by Joan Woodward, whose company research found that different types of processes were linked to different structures and amounts of control. She said that certain organizational forms are appropriate for certain forms of work. Woodward was a pioneer for the theory. Woodward composed several studies using differential variables such as management levels of a company, industry compressions, and management styles in her measurement (Thompson, 2005).--. From those tests, she has identified that there are three influential aspects to contingency theory: environmental, organizational, and leadership. These factors are the key components that influence the success of a business.
“Situational theory tends to focus more on the behaviours that the leader should adopt, given situational factors (often about follower behaviour), whereas contingency theory takes a broader view that includes contingent factors about leader capability and other variables within the situation”
In the contingency leadership theories both the task and the follower’s characteristics are used to determine which behavior is better suited for effective leadership. Within the contingency approach are several factors to consider: the quality of relationships, tasks and activities to be performed, perceptions of the leader based on history, the motivation of both the leader and the follower, and personal characteristics influencing the situation (Leadership Theories and Studies, 2009). The first contingency leadership theories studies were conducted by Fred Fiedler, a leadership researcher and the earliest pioneer in the field of contingency leadership, who focused on how situational variables interact with leader personality and behavior (Contingency Approach to Management, 2009); from these studies he developed the contingency leadership model. The contingency leadership model is used to determine whether a person’s leadership style is task– or relationship-oriented, and if the situation (leader-member relationships, task structure and position power) matches the leader’s style to maximize performance (Lussier & Achua, 2010). Fielder discovered that leadership effectiveness was dependent on the factors of the leader–follower relationship, task structure, and leader position.
In this paper I will look at the four major leadership styles, their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and in what situations a particular leadership style is desired. Additionally, I will look at my leadership style and how I acquired this style throughout my career.
The contemporary era is the time with constant changes and new demands. In view of this point, we can't put unitary leadership into real work. Accordingly, the term of "contingency leadership theory" (also namely "situational leadership") is given rise to by those situational factors. This theory notes that managers can vary their styles to suit different circumstances.
We can divide the theories that deal with leadership in 3 chronological groups. First were the trait theories. Until the 1940's, research in the field of leadership was dominated by these theories. Second came the behavioral theories which were very influent until the late 1960's. Finally, contingency theories are the most modern theories about leadership.
The behavior approach refocuses the interest from the traits to the leaders ' behavior. Leaders ' behavior becomes more important than their physical, mental or emotional traits. Ohio State University and the University of Michigan developed the two main studies of this approach in the late 1940s and 1950s. The studies have recognized two main behaviors: people-oriented and production-oriented behavior. According to the leader behavior approach, there are several behaviors that would be invariably effective for leaders, but empirical research does not show a strong relation between task-oriented or person-oriented leader behaviors and leader effectiveness.
There are many different types of theories on leadership. There is Fiedler’s contingency theory, situational theories of leadership and House’s path-goal theory. These theories are used to make an individual or manager a more effective leader. They can be used as a guide for individuals and help them achieve whatever goal is set out by their organization or group.