How Well Defined Is The Developmental Level Of Followers In The SLII Model

How well defined is the developmental level of followers in the SLII model? According to the text developmental level is the degree to which subordinates have the competence and commitment necessary to accomplish a given task or ability (Northouse, 2013). The Situational Leadership chart reflects four developmental levels D4, D3, D2, & D1. D1 is on the developing side and D4 at the opposite end is relative to the developed side of development. The criticisms I found in the text reflect that the authors of the model do not make clear how commitment is combined with competence to form four distinct levels of development (Northouse, 2013). Like any model containing limited ranges to place people, this one has grey areas to some extent.

Outside influences can affect followers in many ways. Human nature carries a load on everyone and everyday life. There are things in life that are happening outside of work that can negatively affect and sometimes positively affect our commitment or competence at work. If an employee has recently lost a family member, went through a divorce, or something traumatic this can affect their job. If someone is extremely stressed out this can influence their competence, because their mind isn't fully
As I stated above these employees range in how much direction and support they need. If an employee has done the same job for twenty years, typically they would be in the D4 level. This is if the employee is doing their job correctly and staying committed. The D4 level means that the employee is fully developed, but twenty years experience doesn't mean the employee is fully developed. This employee would have to be regularly evaluated by the leader just like all other employees. As we age, our needs change as well. Life is constantly changing and this SLII scale can be adjusted for different things going on and steps of employment with