Situational leadership theory, developed by Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard and first presented in the late 1960s, holds that effective leadership style should not be fixed but should adapt to the readiness or maturity level of the followers being led in a given task. The model describes a range of leadership styles, from a highly directive style appropriate for followers with low readiness to a more delegating style appropriate for followers who are highly competent and committed, with the leader expected to diagnose follower readiness and adjust their style accordingly. The theory has been widely used in leadership training and management development programs as a practical framework for adapting leadership behavior to individual employees and situations.
Facts
Core ClaimThe Situational Leadership Model holds that effective leaders adapt their style to the situation and to the performance readiness of the individual or group being led, rather than relying on one best style. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Situational Leadership Theory applies the broader contingency approach to leader behavior and follower readiness.
Situational leadership theory and path-goal theory are both taught as contingency approaches to leadership, alongside Fiedler.
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