Question

question 11

which scenario best aligns with fiedlers contingency theory?

mathew is known for their participative leadership style, and they adapt their approach based on the unique challenges and dynamics of each team they lead.

hailey uses a consistent autocratic leadership style and does not adjust her approach, regardless of the teams needs or circumstances.

james has a strong transformational leadership style, and the organization consistently assigns him to lead various teams in different contexts.

clarissa has a democratic leadership style, and she consults the team before making decisions but is unable to adapt to unexpected changes in the external environment.

Explanation:

Define Fiedler's contingency theory

Fiedler's contingency theory states that a leader's style is fixed and stable. Instead of adapting their style, the organization must match the leader to the right situation or alter the situation to fit the leader.

Evaluate Mathew's scenario

Mathew adapts his leadership style based on team dynamics. This contradicts Fiedler's core assumption that a leader's style is fixed and cannot be easily changed.

Evaluate Hailey's scenario

Hailey maintains a consistent, unyielding autocratic style regardless of circumstances. This aligns with Fiedler's premise of a fixed leadership style that does not adjust to the situation.

Evaluate James's and Clarissa's scenarios

James's and Clarissa's scenarios focus on specific styles (transformational and democratic) and organizational placement or external adaptation, but they do not illustrate the core premise of a fixed, unadjustable leadership style as clearly as Hailey's scenario.

Answer:

• (A) Mathew is known for their participative leadership style, and they adapt their approach based on the unique challenges and dynamics of each team they lead.
• (B) Hailey uses a consistent autocratic leadership style and does not adjust her approach, regardless of the team's needs or circumstances. (Correct answer)
• (C) James has a strong transformational leadership style, and the organization consistently assigns him to lead various teams in different contexts.
• (D) Clarissa has a democratic leadership style, and she consults the team before making decisions but is unable to adapt to unexpected changes in the external environment.