Fred Fiedler developed contingency theory and proposed the Fiedler contingency model in 1967. The model suggests that effective leadership depends on matching a leader's style to the situation. A leader's style is identified as either task-oriented or relationship-oriented using the Least Preferred Coworker questionnaire. The model then evaluates three factors - leader-member relations, task structure, and position power - to define the situation. Depending on these factors, there are eight potential situations. The model matches leader styles to situations to maximize effectiveness, either by changing the leader or changing aspects of the situation.

1. Subject: Introduction to Leadership
& Management

2. Fred Feidler & Contingency Theory
• Born in July 1922
• Business & management
Psychologist at the university of
Washington
• In 1967, he proposed Fiedler
Contingency Model

3. Contingency Theory
• Contingency approach to leadership was first
developed comprehensively by Fiedler.
• In this contingency approach model proposes
that effective group performance depends on
the proper match between the leader’s style
and the degree to which the situation gives
control to the leader.

4. Fiedler Model
Fiedler’s Model basically based on three steps:
1. Identifying Leadership style.
2. Define the Situation.
3. Relationship between leader and
situation.

5. 1. Identifying Leadership style
Fiedler believes that a key factor in leadership
success is the individual’s basic leadership
style and thus he identifies the two (2)
dimension of leadership style.
• Task Oriented.
• Human Relationship Oriented.

6. Least Preferred Co worker (LPC)
So, Fiedler devised / created a
questionnaire that called Least Prefer co-
worker (LPC).
LPC
An instrument that tells whether a person is
task oriented or relationship oriented.
If high LPC then the person is relationship
oriented.
If low LPC then the person is task oriented.

7. 2. Defining Situation
After an individual’s basic leadership style has
been assessed through LPC.
Fiedler identifies Three contingency factors
which are the key situational factors that
determine leader’s effectiveness.
1- Leader – member relationship
2- Task structure
3- position power

8. Three contingency factors
 Task Structure: It is the degree which the job
assignments are procedures i.e. structured or
unstructured.
 Position Power: It is the degree of influence a
leader has over power variable such as hiring,
discipline, promotion and salary increase.
 Leader Member Relationship: It is the degree of
confidence, trust and respect shown by the
member to their leaders.

9. LEADER
MEMBER
RELATION
GOOD POOR
TASK
STRUCTURE HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
POSITION
POWER
STRONG WEAK STRONG WEAK STRONG WEAK STRONG WEAK
CATEGORY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Altogether by mixing the Three dimension there are
potentially 8 different situation in which leaders
could find themselves.

10. 3. Relationship between leader and
situation
 After knowing the leadership style through
LPC and defined all the situation, we will
choose the leader who will fit for the
situation.
Two ways in which the leader improve
effectiveness.
• Change the leader to fit the situation.
• Change the situation to fit the leader

11. TASK
RELATIONSHIP
FAVORABLE MODARATE UNFAVORABLE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CATAGORIES