How the Contingency Leadership Theories Can Be Applied Among 21st Century Leader?


Contingency Leadership Theory agree that there is no best leadership style. The leadership style should be depend on leaders, followers and situation.

Example of Contingency Leadership Theories are
  • Fidler Contingency Theory
    • Based on leader oriented and leader power.
    • Some leader is task-oriented, some leader is relationship-oriented.
    • Leader power, how a decision is made is determined by doing Situational favorableness

  • Situational Leadership Theory
    • Based on competency of follower
    • For low competence low commitment follower, leader should direct
    • For low competence high commitment follower, leader should coach
    • For high competence low commitment follower, leader should support
    • For high competence high commitment follower, leader should delegate

  • Path-Goal Theory
    • Based on the way follower achieve the goal
    • Leadership can be directive, supportive, participative or achievement-oriented

Leadership style can be applied based on how follower adapt to leader. Some follower expect the task to be instructed crystal clear, straight to the point. They just do what is told, perhaps too busy. Some follower prefer the task to be opened to more suggestion and method. They wanted to be part of the planning, perhaps seeking to learn.

Leadership style can be applied based on how follower is motivated. Some follower work best under guidance. They might be new to the field, need a leader to kick start. Some follower is able to improve productivity with their experience. They might have a work-around that the leader can learn from them.

Leadership style can be applied based on urgency of task. If the task is urgent, it is not a good move to be relationship focus. It is better to focus on the task, get the job done. But if the task is not in rush, it can be more relationship focus. There is no point to rush the task but building the leader-follower relationship can leads to better productivity in the next task.

Instead of sticking to one leadership style, a leader that practice contingency leadership style can improve the leader-follower relationship as well as improve the overall productivity in a long term setting.