situation leadership theory

1. situational leadership theory
1. developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard.
2. focuses on followers readiness.
3. the emphasis on the follower reflect the reality that it is the followers who accept or reject
the leader,

2. The situational theory of leadership suggests that no single leadership style is
best.
Instead, it all depends on the situation at hand and which type of leadership
and strategies are best-suited to the task.
According to this theory, the most effective leaders are those that are able to
adapt their style to the situation and look at cues such as the type of task, the
nature of the group, and other factors that might contribute to getting the job
done.
Situational leadership theory is often referred to as the Hersey-Blanchard
Situational Leadership Theory, after its developers, Dr. Paul Hersey, author of
"The Situational Leader," and Kenneth Blanchard, author of "One-Minute
Manager."

3. Hersey and Blanchard suggested that there are four primary leadership styles:
(S1)Telling *high task low relationship* : In this leadership style, the leader tells
people what to do and how to do it.
(S2)Selling *high task and high relationship*: the leader provides both directive
and supportive behavior. Leaders "sell" their ideas and message to get group
members to buy into the process.
(S3)Participating *low task and high relationship*: In this approach, the leader
offers less direction and allows members of the group to take a more active role in
coming up with ideas and making decisions.
(S4)Delegating *low task and low relationship* : the leader provides little
direction or support.Group members tend to make most of the decisions and take
most of the responsibility for what happens.

4. Hersey and Blanchard's theory identifies four different levels of readiness,
including:
R1: Group members lack
the knowledge, skills, and
willingness to complete
the task.
R2: Group members are willing and
enthusiastic, but lack the ability.
R3: Group members
have the skills and
capability to
complete the task,
but are unwilling to
take responsibility.
R4: Group
members are
highly skilled and
willing to complete
the task.

6. The Hersey-Blanchard model suggests that the following leadership
styles are the most appropriate for these maturity levels:
Low Maturity (R1)—Telling (S1)
Medium Maturity (R2)—Selling (S2)
Medium Maturity (R3)—Participating (S3)
High Maturity (R4)—Delegating (S4)