CONTINGENCY THEORY OF LEADERSHIP
                                                     st 
                                                B.A. I (Honors)
                                              Dr. Masaud Ansari
                                          Department of Psychology, 
                                           A.P.S.M. College, Barauni
                                                                                         ND
                                        L. N. M. University, Darbhanga                 22   AUGUST 2020
   TypesofLeadership
    There are different theories of leadership. Some important of them will be discussed here e.g.:
    1. Trait theory of leadership
    2. Contingency theory of leadership and
    3. Situational theory of leadership
    2. Contingency theory of leadership (Fred Fiedler’s, 1967)
       Illustrative of this interactional perspective is Fred Fiedler’s (1964) contingency model of leadership.
   Fiedler argues that a key difference among leaders is whether they are primarily task oriented (single-mindedly
   focused on the job) or relations oriented (concerned about the feelings of employees). The amount of control that a
   leader has determines which type of leadership is more effective. Leaders enjoy high situational control when they
   have good relations with their staff , a position of power, and a clearly structured task. In contrast, leaders exhibit
   low situational control when they have poor relations with their staff , limited power, and a task that is not clearly
   defined.
       The theory that leadership effectiveness is determined both by the personal characteristics of leaders
   and by the control afforded by the situation.
    Conti…
   Contingency theories of leadership focus on particular variables related to the environment that might determine
   which particular style of leadership is best suited for the situation. According to this theory, no leadership style is
   best in all situations.
   Leadership researchers White and Hodgson suggest that truly effective leadership is not just about the qualities of
   the leader, it is about striking the right balance between behaviors, needs, and context.2 Good leaders are able
   to assess the needs of their followers, take stock of the situation, and then adjust their behaviors accordingly.
   Success depends on a number of variables including the leadership style, qualities of the followers and aspects of
   the situation.