Question

Briefly compare the following early contingency theories:

a. Fiedler’s LPC contingency model

b. Fiedler’s cognitive resource theory

c. Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership theory

Answer 1

(a) Fiedler’s LPC contingency model

This model was created by Fred Fiedler in mid 1960s. This model states that the effectiveness of the leader based purely on the situation and there is no best leadership style. This model is based on two factors namely 'situational favorableness' and 'leadership style'.

(b) Fiedler’s cognitive resource theory

This theory states that cognitive ability of a leader will always contribute towards the performance of the team but only when the approach of the leader is directive. It also predicts that stress should be low as stress affects the relationship between decision quality and intelligence. It predicts that the decision quality is directly related to the experience.

(c) Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership theory

This theory is based on the fact that leader can vary in their approaches depends on the circumstances and situations. This theory is based on variable leadership. It predicts that everyone will get benefitted at the end, when leader adapts situation as soon as possible.