Overview
Secondary Posts Instructions For responses, consider your classmates initial posts and answer the following: Compare and contrast your perspective and your peers' assessment of differences between model and theory. Do you believe that managers and leadership have different approaches? Do you believe the "boss" today is using boss or subordinate-centered leadership?Be specific.
Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per postUse APA format for in-text citations and list of references.
Must include at minimum 1 scholarly references that is not the textbook.
responds
Jacob
A theory is a widely accepted explanation or body of knowledge that is broad and aims to explain a robust phenomenon. On the other hand, a model is the application of theories in a more narrow scope. Models are often more concrete and commonly applied to a particular aspect of a theory to provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon (Fried, 2020). In respect to leadership, these definitions can also be applied. Our text explains leadership theory as an explanation of an aspect of leadership. Theories are used to understand, predict, and control a successful leadership and hold practical value. A leadership model is an application of a theory in a given situation. They are used as the framework to help guide leaders to be more effective in specific situations (Lussier & Achua, 2022).
Fiedler’s Contingency Leadership Theory states no leadership style is better than another; rather the effectiveness of a leaders is dependent on how their leadership style matches the situation. Fiedler states that leaders are either relationship-oriented or task-oriented and uses three criterions to evaluate what leadership style is more effective in ta given situation—Leader-Member Relations, Task Structure, Position Power (Leadershipahoy, 2021). I do believe that leaders have a dominate style, but I do not agree with Fiedler that leaders cannot change their style. It is critical for a successful leader is able to adapt to the situation at play and adopt leadership styles that suite the situation best (gbscorporate, 2015).
As I read through and researched additional leadership theories and models, I found myself disagreeing and agreeing with parts of each one. On a personal level, I am very task oriented. I find that is the most efficient way for me personally to work on a day-to-day basis. I often create checklists for my tasks and am completely comfortable not interacting with others the entire day. Although, as a leader, I believe their leadership style should adapt for each follower. What works for me, might not work for others. While I see merit in each leadership theory and model, I think the path-goal leadership model best suits this idea. This style allows leaders to assess followers and the situation to apply an appropriate leadership style—directive, supportive, participative, or achievement oriented. Where I think this leadership model lacks, is the variability in leadership styles, as I think every follower and situation will not fall perfectly into only four leadership styles (Lussier & Achua, 2022).
References
Adapting your Leadership Style in a Changing Environment - Blog -. (2015). Www.gbscorporate.com. https://www.gbscorporate.com/blog/adapting-your-le...
Fried, E. I. (2020). Theories and Models: What They Are, What They Are for, and What They Are About. Psychological Inquiry, 31(4), 336–344. https://doi.org/10.1080/1047840x.2020.1854011
Leadershipahoy. (2021). Fiedler’s Contingency Theory of Leadership - Explanation, Background, Pros & Cons, Advice. In YouTube.
Lussier, R. N., & Achua, C. F. (2022). Leadership : theory, application & skill development (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
James
Class,
By my definition a theory is an idea, supported by evidence, but cannot be proven factual. Theory’s can be supported, but also can be criticized. Meanwhile, a model is a medium that allows theory to be applied. In leadership, a model is a roadmap to success, given the principles defined by the theory.
I do believe the leading people have defined styles. The style is based on their personality and experiences. That style can change as personality changes or experiences change. In Fiedler’s assessment, he argues that leaders are dominantly either people oriented or task oriented. As I took the self assessment, I scored a 9 on people oriented and a 6 on task oriented. I believe that my personal style is heavily task oriented, until I feel risk of established relationships that I have with my employees. I believe that they know I focus on tasks heavily, and that my guidance is not personal. However there are still times when it feels like that thought starts to slip and I become dominantly people oriented in that time. I guess that is called situational leadership. Therefore, I believe that leaders change there dominant approach depending on the situation. It is impossible to be both task and people oriented in one situation (Indeed, n.d.). I agree with this notion, but leaders can and do change between situations.
I connect most with the normative model. The normative model focuses on how to make decisions, but the process of how those decisions are made is the leadership aspect. I delegate, facilitate, or consult the group as often as possible. I believe that helps with “buy-in” and leads to growth of employees and/or collaborative decisions. As we know collaborative decisions are often better than individual decisions. The only time I make a decision is if the team’s performance is failing and/or if there is a strict timeline. For example, I am currently working to suggest a modified structure for the engineering department at work. We have time, and high buy in is needed. Therefore one of my first steps was to meet with the team, define the problem, and start working towards solutions.
Regards,
James
References
Indeed. (n.d.) Task-Oriented vs People-Oriented Leadership Styles: Characteristics, Advantages and Disadvantages. Indeed.com. Task-Oriented vs People-Oriented Leadership Styles: Characteristics, Advantages and Disadvantages