Differentiating Between the Contingency Models

The varying types of contingency theories can be quite confusing for students. This differentiates between the major contingency models of leadership.

Contingency models of leadership take into account the situation or context within which leadership occurs. According to contingency models, whether or not a manager is an effective leader is the result of the interplay between what the manager is like, what he or she does, and the situation in which leadership takes place. Contingency models propose that whether a leader who possesses certain traits or performs certain behaviors is effective depends on$,$ or is contingent on$,$ the situation or context.

Using your knowledge of the various contingency theories, read each description and classify as a component of Fiedler$$s Contingency Model, House$$s Path$-$Goal Theory, or Hersey$-$Blanchard Life Cycle Model.

$1.$ Managers cannot change their leadership style or adopt different styles in different kinds of situations. They should focus on changing the situation to match their preferred leadership style.

House's Path$-$Goal Theory Incorrect

$2.$ The extent to which the leader has the support and loyalty of followers.

Fiedler's Contingency Model Correct

$3.$ The amount of formal authority a leader has affects his or her ability to lead in different situations.

Hersey$-$Blanchard Life Cycle Model Incorrect

$4.$ Leadership involves clarifying workers' goals and helping them achieve them.

Fiedler's Contingency Model Incorrect

$5.$ Seeking input from followers about methods for improving business operations.

House's Path$-$Goal Theory Correct

$6.$ Increase motivation levels of highly capable subordinates by setting challenging goals for them and expressing your belief in the team members' ability to achieve the challenging goals.

Fiedler's Contingency Model Incorrect

$7.$ Assumes leader's behavior should and adapt as followers mature.

Fiedler's Contingency Model Incorrect

$8.$ Choice of leadership style varies along two axes: high to low task behaviors, and high to low relationship behaviors.

Fiedler's Contingency Model Incorrect

$9.$ In special conditions such as when there is a short$-$term deadline, leaders can alter their style on a very temporary basis.

Hersey$-$Blanchard Life Cycle Model Correct