Situational Leadership Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Study Notes

Situational Leadership Model

The Situational Leadership Model was created by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard in 1969 and was introduced as the "life cycle theory of leadership."
The model identifies task behavior and relationship behavior as the two main variables in leadership style, with effective leadership being task-relevant and adaptable to the individual or group being led.
The model has two fundamental concepts: leadership style and performance readiness level, which is categorized into four levels of maturity or development level.
Leadership styles are categorized into four behavior styles, namely S1 to S4, and effective leaders need to be flexible and adapt their leadership style to the situation.
The four levels of maturity or development level are M1 to M4, and a person's maturity level is task-specific.
Hersey's book emphasizes that a leader's high, realistic expectation leads to high performance of followers, while low expectations lead to low performance of followers.
The Situational Leadership II (SLII) model was introduced by Ken Blanchard in 1985, which uses the terms "competence" and "commitment" to describe different levels of development and four combinations of competence and commitment make up the development level.
The SLII model suggests that Enthusiastic Beginners (D1) need a directing leadership style, Disillusioned Learners (D2) require a coaching style, Capable but Cautious Performers (D3) respond best to a Supporting leadership style, and Self-reliant Achievers need leaders who offer a delegating style.
The SLII model views development as an evolutionary progression, and the leader's role is to diagnose development level and then use the appropriate leadership style for each task, goal, or assignment.
Despite its intuitive appeal, several studies do not support the prescriptions offered by situational leadership theory, and it is not clear whether it is appropriate to match S2, S3, or S4 with more mature subordinates.
A 2009 study found the 2007 revised theory was a poorer predictor of subordinate performance and attitudes than the original version from 1972.
The Situational Leadership Model is still widely used in leadership training and development programs.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Situational Leadership Model with this informative quiz! Explore the different behavioral styles and development levels that make up the model, and discover how leaders can adapt their style to match the needs of their team. From the original life cycle theory to the revised SLII model, this quiz covers all the essential concepts of the Situational Leadership Model. Become a master of leadership styles and take the quiz today!