hersey-blanchard situational leadership theory

HERSEY-BLANCHARD

SITUATIONAL

LEADERSHIP THEORY

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Pro’s 2

*The simplicity of the theory makes it

easy to apply.

*The theory has simple scales that a leader

can use to give a “thumb in the wind”

assessment of what leadership style to

use.

*Maturity and competence of the group are

often overlooked factors in good

leadership and it helps to focus on these.

Con’s 3

*The theory may not be applicable to

managers as administrators or those

with limited power but in structurally in

a leadership position.

*There are situations in which the theory

may be less applicable such as those

involving time constraints and task

complexity.

*Testing of the theory doesn’t seem to bear

out the predictions

“Life cycle theory leadership”

was renamed “Situational

Leadership Theory”.

“There is no single or best style of

leadership”

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Effective leadership is:task relevant

leaders adapt their leadership style to

the maturity.

ability to take responsibility for the

task.

relevant education or an experience of

an individual or group for the task.

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Two fundamental concepts:

1. Leadership styles

2. Maturity levels of

individual or group

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Leadership styles

amount of Task Behavior

relationship behavior

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Four Behavior of Leadership Style:

S1:Telling

characterize by one-way communication

S2:Selling

attempts to convince the group

S3:Participating

the leader shares decision making with

the group

S4:Delegating

the leader is still involved in making

decision

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Four Maturity levels of the group: M-1:basic incompetence or

unwillingness in doing the task. M-2:inability to do the task but

willing to do so.

M-3:competent to do the task but do

not think they can.

M-4:the group is ready, willing and

able to do the task

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Four Permutation of competency-

commitment:

D1

Low competence and high commitment

D2

Some competence and low commitment

D3

High competence and low commitment

D4

High competence and high commitment

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Four Development Levels

Match to The Four

Corresponding Styles of

Leadership

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D1-Low competence, High commitment

S1-Directing/Telling

need to be shown how to do

something

are enthusiastic and committed

willing to accept direction

need direction and supervision

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D2-Some competence, Low commitment

S2-Coaching/Selling

need direction and supervision

need support and praise

involvement in decision making

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D3-High competence, Low variable

commitment

S3-Supporting/ Encouraging

competent but who still lack of confidence

or motivation

they do not need much direction

need support and encouragement

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D4-High competence, High

commitment

S4-Delegating/ Empowering

high levels of both competence and

commitment

both able and willing to work by

themselves with little supervision or

interventions

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The Key Characteristic of

effective leadership:

to assess the situation correctly

select

apply the appropriate style

continuously review your choice

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The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary”.-Vidal Sassoon

Thank You!

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