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Situational Leadership Theory and Organizational Leadership

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As the new top-level executive of a medium-sized corporation, you have noticed that the leadership culture in the organization has been ineffective, which has lowered employee morale. To change the leadership culture you have decided to discuss this issue with all the managers and supervisors in the organization. Prior to meeting with all the managers and supervisors, you have decided that you need to develop a "how-to" guide on effective leadership.

I need some help conceptualizing a five-page paper on situational leadership theory that helps develop an effective leadership culture. Describe the three theories of situational leadership and what you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of each theory when leading staff in the organizational environment.

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This in-depth solution with over 1000 words explains situational leadership theory in developing effective leadership culture. The sources used are also included in the solution.

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In accordance with BrainMass standards, this is not a completion of assignment but only guidance.
Step 1
Situational leadership theory is useful and relevant in developing leadership culture. Situational leadership theory is useful because it says that there is no single best style of leadership. Effective leadership is related to tasks and the most successful leaders are those that are able to adopt their leadership style to the maturity of the individual or group they are attempting to lead. For example, if an experienced person is made a team leader and the team members are new employees. If there is shortage of time, an authoritarian leadership style is appropriate. In contrast if the same team leader has a team of qualified and experienced team members a participative style will be appropriate. In case of new employees, all the information is with the team leader and he has the knowhow of how the task should be performed. In contrast, if the team members are knowledgeable and in some cases have specialized knowledge, an authoritarian style is inappropriate and if such a style is used conflicts can occur. According to situational leadership effective leadership changes not merely with the group that is being influenced but also depends on the task, job or function that needs to be accomplished.

Step 2
The first theory of contingency leadership we consider is Fiedler's contingency theory. According to this theory leadership effectiveness depends on both the leadership style as well as to the extent to which the situation offers the leader control and influence. There are three factors that Fiedler identifies these are the relationship between the leader and followers. Second, the extent to which goals have been clarified, the methods offer greater influence. Third, the leader's positional power also affects the extent to which he is able to exercise his influence. In a work situation is the supervisor has established good relationships with workers, he is in a position to influence them(a). Similarly, if clear production targets are given and the method of production is known to everyone, it is relatively easy to persuade the team members to help achieve the objectives. Similarly, if the ...

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