GUIDE QUESTIONS:

 What is Situational Leadership Theory?

 What is Leadership Styles & Maturity Levels by Hersey and Blanchard?
 How do leaders determine which style to use in a particular situation?
 Which leadership style is most challenging for leaders to implement
effectively? And why?

ANSWER:

1. Situational Leadership Theory (SLT) is a leadership model developed by Paul Hersey

and Ken Blanchard in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The theory suggests that effective
leaders are those who can adapt their leadership style based on the readiness or
maturity of their followers or subordinates in a given situation. The model emphasizes
the importance of considering the specific context and the development level of the
individuals being led.

2. Leadership Styles:

.
Telling (S1 - Directing):
.
 Description: Leaders provide specific instructions and closely supervise their
followers.
 Appropriate Situation: Used when followers have low competence and low
commitment (D1).
.
Selling (S2 - Coaching):
.
 Description: Leaders still provide clear direction but also seek input and explain
decisions.
 Appropriate Situation: Suitable when followers have some competence but low
commitment (D2).
.
Participating (S3 - Supporting):
.
 Description: Leaders encourage participation in decision-making and problem-
solving.
  Appropriate Situation: Effective when followers have moderate to high
competence but variable commitment (D3).
.
Delegating (S4 - Delegating):
.
 Description: Leaders empower followers to make decisions and take
responsibility.
 Appropriate Situation: Used when followers have high competence and high
commitment (D4).

Maturity Levels (Readiness Levels):

.
D1 (Low Competence, High Commitment):
.
 Description: Followers are unable but willing or confident to perform a task.
 Leadership Style: Telling (S1 - Directing).
.
D2 (Some Competence, Low Commitment):
.
 Description: Followers have some ability but lack confidence or willingness.
 Leadership Style: Selling (S2 - Coaching).
.
D3 (Moderate to High Competence, Variable Commitment):
.
 Description: Followers are both able and willing, but commitment may vary.
 Leadership Style: Participating (S3 - Supporting).
.
D4 (High Competence, High Commitment):
.
 Description: Followers are highly competent and committed.
 Leadership Style: Delegating (S4 - Delegating).

3. Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory (SLT) involves four

leadership styles and four maturity levels (also referred to as development levels
or readiness levels). These styles and levels are designed to help leaders
determine the most appropriate approach based on the capabilities and
motivation of their followers.
4. The most challenging leadership style for leaders to implement effectively may
vary based on individual preferences, organizational culture, and the specific
context of the situation. However, "Delegating" (S4) is often considered one of the
more challenging styles for several reasons