Comparison and Contrast of Leadership Theories
Hersey and Blanchard’s Theory and Path-Goal Theory
Yatin Patil
University of Fredericton
EMBA 7005 – Leadership Theory & Practice (C201710) Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the Hersey and Blanchard’s situational theory and Path-Goal theory. Hersey and Blanchard’s situational theory focuses on the interaction of the leader’s behaviour and follower readiness while Path-Goal theory focuses on motivation of the group by offering rewards, clarifying path and removing obstacles to achieve performance and goals. Keywords: Hersey and Blanchard’s situational theory, Path-Goal theory, leader behaviour, follower readiness, motivation, rewards, performance and goals
Comparison and …show more content…
Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal (Kruse, 2017).
An effective leader is a one who understands which leadership approach to use under different situations. There are a lot of similarities between the Path-Goal theory and Hersey and Blanchard situational theory. Most leaders adjust their leadership style depending on several factors in the situation they face. There may not be one best way of leadership. If one leadership style works in one situation, then it might not work in another situation (Daft, 2018).
Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Theory
Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership theory draws views from contingency thinking (Daft, 2018). Effective leadership depends upon each individual situation and may not be addressed by a single leadership style. Every task is viewed differently and requires a different leadership style. “Leadership techniques arise from pairing her or his leadership style to the skills and maturity level of the group” (Hersey & Blanchard, 1970).
According to the situational theory, a leader can adopt one of four leadership styles. They are:
S1. Telling: This approach is more directive in nature. Leader tells subordinates what to do how to do …show more content…
This is when things started to go down south. My team started to resist ideas, voiced concerns, etc., which led me to take a step back and observe further to understand the culture, gauge capability and rethink my approach to execute on the strategy. I observed that majority of the team members lack confidence (S1, R1), some lack ability (S2, R2) and the others needed personal support (S3, R3). I started to work closely with all of them and supporting their individual needs and established development plans to develop capability and needed confidence to perform tasks themselves (S4, R4).
A leader’s style can be contingent upon the readiness level of followers. A year today, each team member has progressed at different levels (R3-R4) and there is great enthusiasm and support to execute on the strategy outlined for the fiscal year. Team members feel capable of tasks assigned, there is the required confidence to execute them and some are willing to take on additional work.
Path-Goal
Hersey and Blanchard’s Theory and Path-Goal Theory
Yatin Patil
University of Fredericton
EMBA 7005 – Leadership Theory & Practice (C201710) Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the Hersey and Blanchard’s situational theory and Path-Goal theory. Hersey and Blanchard’s situational theory focuses on the interaction of the leader’s behaviour and follower readiness while Path-Goal theory focuses on motivation of the group by offering rewards, clarifying path and removing obstacles to achieve performance and goals. Keywords: Hersey and Blanchard’s situational theory, Path-Goal theory, leader behaviour, follower readiness, motivation, rewards, performance and goals
Comparison and …show more content…
Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal (Kruse, 2017).
An effective leader is a one who understands which leadership approach to use under different situations. There are a lot of similarities between the Path-Goal theory and Hersey and Blanchard situational theory. Most leaders adjust their leadership style depending on several factors in the situation they face. There may not be one best way of leadership. If one leadership style works in one situation, then it might not work in another situation (Daft, 2018).
Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Theory
Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership theory draws views from contingency thinking (Daft, 2018). Effective leadership depends upon each individual situation and may not be addressed by a single leadership style. Every task is viewed differently and requires a different leadership style. “Leadership techniques arise from pairing her or his leadership style to the skills and maturity level of the group” (Hersey & Blanchard, 1970).
According to the situational theory, a leader can adopt one of four leadership styles. They are:
S1. Telling: This approach is more directive in nature. Leader tells subordinates what to do how to do …show more content…
This is when things started to go down south. My team started to resist ideas, voiced concerns, etc., which led me to take a step back and observe further to understand the culture, gauge capability and rethink my approach to execute on the strategy. I observed that majority of the team members lack confidence (S1, R1), some lack ability (S2, R2) and the others needed personal support (S3, R3). I started to work closely with all of them and supporting their individual needs and established development plans to develop capability and needed confidence to perform tasks themselves (S4, R4).
A leader’s style can be contingent upon the readiness level of followers. A year today, each team member has progressed at different levels (R3-R4) and there is great enthusiasm and support to execute on the strategy outlined for the fiscal year. Team members feel capable of tasks assigned, there is the required confidence to execute them and some are willing to take on additional work.
Path-Goal