Behavioral Styles Theory proposes that leadership effectiveness depends on two dimensions of leader behavior: consideration for employee needs and structure of tasks. The Ohio State Studies identified these dimensions and found four leadership styles based on levels of each. The University of Michigan Studies identified two styles: employee-centered and job-centered. Effective leaders are found to be employee-centered, set high goals, and use group supervision methods rather than individual. The theory posits that leadership behaviors can be developed unlike the Trait Theory view that leaders are born.

1. Behavioral Styles Theory

2. IntroductionThis phase of leadership began during World War II in efforts to develop better military leaders.CausesThe trait theory was unable to explain leadership effectivenessThe Human Relations movement

3. The Ohio State StudiesStudy derived from a list of behaviors exhibited by leadersTwo dimensions of leader behaviorConsiderationInitiating Structure

4. ConsiderationInvolves leader behavior associated with creating mutual respect or trustFocus on concern for Group members’ needs and desires

5. Initiating StructureLeader behavior that organizes and defines what group members should be doing to maximize output.

6. Four Leadership StylesLow Structure, high considerationLess emphasis on structuring employee tasks while the leadership concentrates on satisfying employee needs and wantsLow structure, low considerationThe leader fails to provide necessary structure and demonstrates little consideration for employee needs and wantsHigh structure, high considerationThe leader provides a lot of guidance about how tasks can be completed while being highly considerate of employee needs and wantsHigh structure, low considerationPrimary emphasis is placed on structuring employee tasks while the leader demonstrates little consideration for employee needs and wants

7. University of Michigan StudiesGoal: to identify behavioral differences between effective and ineffective leadersResults: Two different styles of leadershipEmployee centeredJob centered

8. ConclusionsEffective leaders:Have supportive or employee-centered relationships with employeesUse group rather than individual methods of supervisionSet high performance goals

9. Takeaways from Behavioral Styles TheoryLeaders are born, not madeOpposite of Trait TheoryLeader behaviors can be systematically improved and developedNo best style of leadershipDepends on situation at handThere is a difference between how frequently and how effectively managers exhibit various leadership behaviors