Fiedler’s Contingency Theory

Prepared by,Chen Xiu Wei, FanvianRubatarshne D/O Vasu

So Chai Fern= A6 – VS Naipaul =

What is Fiedler’s Contingency

Theory?

• A behavioural theory based on their views that there is no ‘one best way’ to lead an organisation, organise a cooperation or to make a decision.

• Also known as ‘it’s all depends’ theory.

• The effectiveness of a leader in achieving high group performance is depends on the leader’s motivational system and the degree to which the leader controls and influences the situation.

Situational Favourableness

• Leader-Member Relations- Level of trust and confidence that a team has in a leader.

• Task Structure- The type of task a team is doing – clear and structured.

• Leader’s Position Power- The amount of power a leader has to direct the group and provide reward/punishment.

Advantages of

Fiedler’s Contingency Theory• Prescriptive• Expertise and Research• Leader Identification• Flexibility

Advantages of

Fiedler’s Contingency Theory• The theory is extremely well researched, given

the stated parameters.• For a "thumb-in-the-wind" approach to identifying

leaders, Fiedler's contingency theory can assist enormously

• Leaders with good personal relations are matched to a poorly structured task environment.

• For leaders who are impersonal, they are placed in well task structured environment.

• Because this is a contingency theory, it is inherently more flexible than a "one takes all" theory

Disadvantages of

Fiedler’s Contingency Theory• Least preferred co-worker (LPC) scale is subjective,

and characteristics are relative in contexts.• Even according to Fiedler, the LPC score is valid

only for groups that are closely supervised and does not apply to "open ones" such as teams.

• It is questionable whether Fiedler's contingency theory is valid in all situations, such as when neither the task is well defined and no choice of leaders is to be had, except ones with bad personalities.

Implications of

Fiedler’s Contingency TheoryRelationship-motivated leader (predicts will be most effective)

Maintain close interpersonal relationship with subordinates. • The group will achieve high group performance (due to the leader’s motivational system and the degree to which the leader controls and influences the situation)

• It will be easier for leader to exercise influence in accomplishing tasks

(due to the degree of confidence, trust, and respect subordinates have in the leader assesses it)

Implications of

Fiedler’s Contingency Theory

Task-motivated leader• The leader has power, informal backing, relatively

structured task.

- The group is ready to be directed and the group expects to be told what to do.(Task is well-divided evenly and accordingly)

- Successful in very favorable conditions.(Subordinates have enough guidelines and instructions in completing their part of job)

References

• http://www.slideshare.net/TravisSeepersad/contingency-theory-12929132

• http://www.leadership-central.com/fiedler's-contingency-theory.html#axzz2bx3AezsD

• http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/fiedler.htm

• http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-fiedlers-contingency-model-18368.html