Situational Leadership

Situational Leadership Theory:
Situational leadership theory describes the role of a leader in a given situation. Leader set the goal for his or her employees and guides them to attain those goals in a particular situation. This is also known as path-goal theory. This theory identifies the right factors of leadership style to achieve results. Two important factors of this theory are that it explains both what the leader must do in different situations and the reason behind that particular behavior.
Leaders perform key role in motivation, satisfaction and performance of the employees for example by increasing the payoffs employees are motivated by giving them chance to participate in decision making process will increase their performance. Andrew J. Dubrin (2002, p. 17)
According to path-goal theory, there are four basic styles of leadership which help leaders to deal in difficult or in critical situations. They are as follows:
1:   Directive leadership
2:   Supportive leadership
3:   Participative leadership
4:   Achievement –oriented leadership
Each of these leadership styles work in different situations, one particular style might be appropriate or work in a specific situation and might not work at all in another situation. For example directive leaders are more concern in directing the subordinates about what is expected of them, supportive on the other hand are friendly and show concern towards the employees.   Participative leaders take active part in consulting their subordinates while making a decision, whereas achievement oriented leaders are very much worried about being successful. They expect their employees to achieve the goals. Gregory Moorhead & Ricky W. Griffin (1998, pp.334, 335)
The situational Leadership Model:
The leadership model of Paul Hersey and Kenneth H. Blanchard explains the match between leadership style and readiness of employees. The situational leadership model describes the link between task and relational behavior, the... [continues]

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