if it's leader (pictured top right) behaved this same way. In that setting, a less directive (high LPC) style would be more effective. Source: (top left) Newscom, (bottom left) Mitchell Prothero/Newscom, (top right) A.P. World Wide Photos. several companies most notably, Sears--have used the leader match approach with some press. In fact, several studies have found it to be effective in improving group performance. at least some occasions. situational Leadership Theory: Adjusting Leadership Style to the Situation Mother theory of leadership, situational leadership theory, also is considered a contingency theory Pause it focuses on the best leadership style for a given situation. Specifically, the scientists who situational leadership Developed this theory argue that leaders are effective when they select the right leadership style for the theory A theory suggesting that they Anditions they face. "Specifically, this depends on the maturity of followers-that is, their readiness most effective style of " take responsibility for their own behavior. This, in turn, is based on two variables with which we leadership either ready are familiar (although they are referred to using different terminology here): (1) task behavior delegating, participating. the degree to which followers have the appropriate job knowledge and skills-that is, their need for selling, or telling depends on the extent to which guidance and direction), and (2) relationship behavior (the degree to which followers are willing to followers require guidance work without taking direction from others-that is, their need for emotional support.) and direction, and As shown in Figure 13.13, by combining high and low levels of these independent dimensions. (emotional support. four different types of situations are identified (denoted by "S" in the diagram), each of which is associated with a particular leadership style that is most effective. Lower-right corner of Figure 13.13 ($1): Situations in which followers need a great deal susan of direction from their leaders but don't need much emotional support from them. The lavie practice of telling followers what to do is most useful in such circumstances. That is, giving Claudia followers specific instructions and closely supervising their work may be the best approach. Upper-right corner of Figure 13.13 ($2): Followers still lack the skill to be able to succeed. although in this case, they require more emotional support. Under these conditions, selling works best. Being very directive may make up for the follower's lack of ability, while being very supportive will help get them to go along with what the leader is asking of them. " Upper-left corner of Figure 13.13 ($3): Conditions in which followers need very little guid- me Rave ance with respect to how to do their jobs, but considerable emotional hand-holding and support466 PART 5 . INFLUENCING OTHERS FIGURE 13.13 Leader Behaviors Situational High Leadership Theory: Its Basic Dimensions High High task relationship and high Situational leadership and low relationship theory specifies that the task SELLING PARTICIPATING most appropriate leadership style depends $2 on the amount of Relationship Behavior (amount of support required) emotional support S1 followers require in conjunction with the amount of guidance they Low relationship High task require to do their jobs. and low DELEGATING and low relationship TELLING Source: Hersey & Blanchard, task 1988; see Note 54. Low Low High Task Behavior (amount of direction required)