Theories and Principles of
Organizational Leadership
Sherry M. Orozco, EdD
What is the lesson about?
• This lesson will discuss theories and principles
on organizational leadership specifically
situational and contingency theory of leadership.
Also, the principles of effective organizational
leadership will also be tackled.
At the end of the session, you should be able to..
• Apply effectively the different organizational
leadership theories and principles for global
and local competence.
Introduction
• “Effective leadership is not about making
speeches or being liked; leadership is
defined by results, not attributes.” - Peter F.
Drucke
Introduction
• “Leadership is about empathy. It is about having
the ability to relate to and connect with people for
the purpose of inspiring and empowering their
lives.” - Oprah Winfrey
Introduction
• Effective leadership is one of the most attractive
qualities in an employee. There are dozens of theories
that argue which leadership style is best suited for
improving team productivity and maintaining employee
morale.
•The following slides presents the
various theories and principles of
Leadership
Situational Theory of Leadership
• This theory of Hershey and Blanchard (1982) points to
the importance of support, encouragement, and two-
way communication that the leader is conscious at all
times in providing his or her followers. This is based
on the two dimensions of leader behavior namely: task
behavior and relationship behavior
Situational Theory of Leadership
• Task Behavior
• Pertains to how the leader is so task-focused that makes
him or her behave in a manner that much emphasis is
given to the accomplishment of tasks which makes him or
her so anxious in getting things done.
Situational Theory of Leadership
• Relationship Behavior
• Pertains to how the leader puts premium on the
respect and rapport to his or her subordinates as
they journey with their leader in the realization of
the organization’s objectives.
Contingency Theory of Leadership
• The contingency theory of leadership focuses on how specific
situations affect a leader’s effectiveness and how a leader’s ability
to adapt can be their most important tool in the workplace.
• Thus, it necessitates that every leader produces action plan which
is tailored to the needs of the key individuals responsible carrying
out his or her goals and objectives for the organization he or she
serves.
CONTINGENCY THEORY
• States that there is “no one best way” to lead an
organization.
• Actions are dependent (contingent) to the internal
and external factors.
• There is no single theory of contingency
management.
The effectiveness of a leader
depends on:
• Leader
• Followers
• Situational Factors
Understanding the Contingency Theory of Leadership
• The contingency theory of leadership supposes that a leader’s
effectiveness is contingent on whether or not their leadership style suits
a particular situation. According to this theory, an individual can be an
effective leader in one circumstance and an ineffective leader in another
one.
• To maximize your likelihood of being a productive leader, this theory
posits that you should be able to examine each situation and decide if
your leadership style is going to be effective or not. In most cases, this
requires you to be self-aware, objective and adaptable.
The contingency theory of leadership is impacted by a range
of specific factors in the average workplace, including:
• Maturity level of the • Goals and objectives
employees
• Relationships between
• Standards for behavior
coworkers • Company policies
• Work pace
• Employees’ work
• Management style styles
• Typical work schedule
• Employees’ morale
• To understand this theory, we will look at three different
models for contingency leadership. The first is Fiedler’s
model. This model states that three important factors contribute
to “situational favorableness”. To be productive, leaders must
consider these factors. However, this theory also considers
leadership styles to be fixed and unchangeable.
• Therefore, if a leader’s style is not a good fit for a particular
situation, they will need to be replaced by a different leader. To
apply Fiedler’s theory, you have to determine your leadership
style and your situation’s favorableness using Fiedler’s model.
• The second is Situational leadership model the
situational leadership model suggests that the best option
for leaders is to adapt their leadership styles to fit their
team members and their individual abilities.
• Meaning effective leadership should consider the
willingness and the readiness of group members.
• The third is Path-Goal model which is primarily
concerned with identifying processes (paths) that
will allow each team member to meet their
individual objectives (goals).
• Generally, this style is followed when the task is quite complex,
and the subordinates are less motivated. Thus, the path-goal
model posits that the foremost function of the leader is to clarify
and set goals with subordinates, help them in identifying the
best path for achieving the goal and removing the obstacles if
coming in the way.
Principles of Effective Organizational
Leadership
• Principle 1. Proficiency must be observed in every task.
• Principle 2. Master yourself and find ways to improve.
• Principle 3. Knowledge of the people around you and be
aware of their welfare.
• Principle 4. Share information with people of one’s
domain.
• Principle 5. Be a good example
Principles of Effective Organizational
Leadership
• Principle 6. See to it that every task is clearly understood ,
monitored and accomplished.
• Principle 7. Commit and train your people to collaborate.
• Principle 8. Decisions must be sound and time bound.
• Principle 9. Create an atmosphere of responsibility in your
group.
• Principle 10. Do not evade responsibilities and be accountable
to your own actions.
