Fiedler's contingency theory states that there is no single best way to lead and a leader's effectiveness depends on how well their style matches the situation. The theory assesses situations based on leader-member relations, task structure, and the leader's position power. It suggests that relationship-oriented leaders are best for unfavorable situations with poor relations or unstructured tasks, while task-oriented leaders can be effective for favorable situations with good structure and the leader's authority. The theory aims to be prescriptive and flexible, but critics argue its assessments are subjective and not universally applicable.

1. Fiedler’s
Contingency Theory
Prepared by,
Chen Xiu Wei, Fanvian
Rubatarshne D/O Vasu
So Chai Fern
= A6 – VS Naipaul =

2. What is Fiedler’s Contingency Theory?
• A behavioural theory based on their views that
there is no ‘one best way’ to lead an organisation,
organise a cooperation or to make a decision.
• Also known as ‘it’s all depends’ theory.
• The effectiveness of a leader in achieving high
group performance is depends on the leader’s
motivational system and the degree to which the
leader controls and influences the situation.

3. Situational Favourableness
• Leader-Member Relations
- Level of trust and confidence that a team has in a
leader.
• Task Structure
- The type of task a team is doing – clear and
structured.
• Leader’s Position Power
- The amount of power a leader has to direct the
group and provide reward/punishment.

4. Advantages of
Fiedler’s Contingency Theory
• Prescriptive
• Expertise and Research
• Leader Identification
• Flexibility

5. Advantages of
Fiedler’s Contingency Theory
• The theory is extremely well researched, given the
stated parameters.
• For a "thumb-in-the-wind" approach to identifying
leaders, Fiedler's contingency theory can assist
enormously
• Leaders with good personal relations are matched
to a poorly structured task environment.
• For leaders who are impersonal, they are placed in
well task structured environment.
• Because this is a contingency theory, it is inherently
more flexible than a "one takes all" theory

6. Disadvantages of
Fiedler’s Contingency Theory
• Least preferred co-worker (LPC) scale is subjective,
and characteristics are relative in contexts.
• Even according to Fiedler, the LPC score is valid
only for groups that are closely supervised and does
not apply to "open ones" such as teams.
• It is questionable whether Fiedler's contingency
theory is valid in all situations, such as when neither
the task is well defined and no choice of leaders is
to be had, except ones with bad personalities.

7. Implications of
Fiedler’s Contingency Theory
Relationship-motivated leader (predicts will be most
effective)
Maintain close interpersonal relationship with
subordinates.
• The group will achieve high group performance
(due to the leader’s motivational system and the
degree to which the leader controls and influences
the situation)
• It will be easier for leader to exercise influence in
accomplishing tasks
(due to the degree of confidence, trust, and respect
subordinates have in the leader assesses it)

8. Implications of
Fiedler’s Contingency Theory
Task-motivated leader
• The leader has power, informal backing, relatively
structured task.
- The group is ready to be directed and the group
expects to be told what to do.
(Task is well-divided evenly and accordingly)
- Successful in very favorable conditions.
(Subordinates have enough guidelines and
instructions in completing their part of job)

9. References
• http://www.slideshare.net/TravisSeepersad/conting
ency-theory-12929132
• http://www.leadership-central.com/fiedler's-
contingency-theory.html#axzz2bx3AezsD
• http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/fiedler.ht
m
• http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-
fiedlers-contingency-model-18368.html