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In order to ensure that I function as an effective leader, I must observe and reflect upon major leadership theories and models. I believe the Situational Leadership Theory, the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, and Vroom and Yetton’s Normative Decision Model may help me achieve this high quality leadership that I seek. These theories and models are not without their faults, but studies have proven them to provide some level of effectiveness. Further reflection on each will help to determine what theory/model or what combination of these theories and models will yield me the best results.
The Situational Leadership Theory was interesting to me due to its adaptive nature. I firmly believe that to be an effective leader you anticipate different
It draws its basis from the expectancy theory of motivation which states that employees apply effort to produce high performance levels which are rewarded with something they find worthwhile, a theory that I agree with for the most part. It is this promise of reimbursement that keeps them motivated. As a leader, this theory states that I must ensure that these conditions are met, so as to keep the employees motivated and satisfied. It also lists four leadership styles- directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented. Each style should be applied to different situations. I like that this theory takes into account that different situations should be dealt using different leadership styles. However, I find that this theory focuses too heavily upon the leader and less on the employees- it assumes that groups must be led because they “do not know what is good for them” (Leadership-central,
It asks the leader questions that they rate high or low, the path they take helps decide what course of action should be taken- should they decide consult individually, consult as a group, facilitate, or delegate? It gives leaders decisions ranging from more authoritative approaches to more democratic approaches. Despite looking complicated, once understood it is simple to follow. It takes into account the competence of the group and of you as a leader. However, the model does that take into account to size of the group. Small groups and large group should be dealt with in different ways due to the specific complexities and challenges they may present. It may also be too mechanical and may not take into account the psyche and emotions of the participants. Despite this, it does have research supporting its
In the context of the Situational model leadership theory, there are three identifiable weaknesses in my leadership practice. These weaknesses represent shortcomings in my role as a leader and might prevent my team from fully executing the organization’s mission. The three weaknesses are:
Before you can summarize the concepts related to leadership theory, you have to define what leadership is. Leadership is a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task or goals. The fundamental concept of leadership is indirection. In any organization, the leader indirectly impacts the performance of the organization through the performance of individual team members. To make that impact, the leader takes on the role of the coach, and the inspiratory. As the coach, the leader improves the performer's skills. As the inspiratory, the leader inspires the passion required for optimal performance. A good leader can make decisions with a clear mind and will listen to theirs but can run through every consequence and possibility in their head. They take every angle and come out with the best answer for the majority of the people or situations it effects. And will not let their emotions be shut off but will have feeling where it is needed.
In situational leadership theory and path-goal theory, both theories assume that leaders are flexible and can display any or all styles depending on the situation or environment. Situational leadership theory emphasizes the importance of adjusting leadership style based on the needs of the followers. Path-goal theory leaders help followers along their path and are more effective if they adapt their behaviors to the current environment. Each leadership theory describes four different styles or behaviors to use for effective leadership. The style of telling, selling, participating, and delegating are used in STL...
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.
The situational leadership theory states that leaders use different styles and strategies depending on the situation. There are two models that support this theory. The Fiedler’s Contingency Model of Leadership Effectiveness states that an “effective leadership occurs only when there is an ideal match between the leader’s style and the group’s work situation” (pg
To think one style of leadership is the only style seems rather pompous. You have several different types and brands of blood pressure pills to lower the blood pressure depending on the cause, therefore why would we think we only need one type of leader. At times I am needed to make a decision that I do not ask for outside participation. For example the attendance policy. I decided what would be a fair policy, how many points would be assigned for each call off and how long each point would stay active for. The situation did not need a meeting, it did not need input for others. I utilized a laisse fair style when the nurses were complaining about medication pass times. I simply gave them the task to develop a standardized medication time and let me know. When I hold a risk meeting I have several nurses and other disciplines present to assist at problem solving risk behaviors and that also means trying new techniques. Every situation is different and it is my responsibility, as the leader, to know which style would work best in each situation; sometimes it also depends on the people involved. Some staff need a leader to stand back more, others need one to effectively manage them. So not only do I have to know the situation, I also need to be sensitive to the persons involved, why it is important for me to know the staff I work
This style has been defined as ( Abdicates responsibilities avoid making decisions)(Robbins 2001). That would mean leaders are not involved in taking decisions at all and they are available only to provide their employees with materials and answering questions, the subordinates have complete freedom to take decisions and set objectives (Chaudhry and Husnain 2012). In other words, this theory lacks any kind on powerful leadership. Hence, there would be lack of motivation, low levels of performance, and poor work practices(Packard 2009). However, if the employees are already motivated and have full understanding and high level of knowledge regarding the mission at hand, Lassies- Faire model might works fine (Gustainis and Roosevelt 2004) .
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
Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory (SLT) asserts that a leader’s effectiveness is dependent upon the readiness, or ability and willingness, of the leader’s followers to complete a task. This leadership style is an amalgamation of task-oriented and relationship-oriented characteristics that are employed depending upon the situation and the followers involved. According to the SLT, as followers increase in readiness the leader’s style is to adapt accordingly (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2009).
Leadership Theories and Studies. (2009). In Encyclopedia of Management. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-3273100155.html
R.J House, "A Path-Goal Theory of Leader Effectiveness," Administrative Science Quarterly, September 1971, pp.321-338; and R. J. House, "Path-Goal Theory of Leadership; Lessons, Legacy and a Reformulated Theory," Leadership Quarterly, Fall 1996, pp.323-352
...House, R. J. (1996). Path-Goal Theory of Leadership: Lessons, Legacy, and a Reformulated Theory. Wharton School of Management, Leadership Quarterly. 7 (3) P. 323-352. Retrieved from http://leadership.wharton.upenn.edu/l_change/publications/House/house2.pdf
The Situational Theories of leadership explain how leadership style must be tailored to the demands of the task and the qualities of subordinates.
In addition, (Amandi et al, 2004) makes us understand issues related to leadership decision and also gives a clear overview on leadership theories.