Fiedler Contingency Model
Business Management 12
Contingency Model
The group performance depends on the
match between the leader’s style,
interaction with his/her followers and the
degree to which the situation gives the
leader control and influence.
Least Preferred Co-Worker (LPC)
Questionnaire, measures the two different
leadership styles.
Findings
Evaluation of three contingency variables
High control situation
Low control situation
Fixed Leadership Orientation
Fixed, unchanging.
Relationship
orientated leadership.
Task orientated
leadership.
Three Contingency Dimensions
1. Leader-member
relations.
2. Task structure.
3. Position power
Improving Effectiveness
2 ways
Changing the type of leader to fit the
situation. Ex: Bringing a task-oriented
leader as a replacement.
Change the situation to fit the leader. Ex:
Restructuring tasks, increase or decrease
in things like promotions and disciplinary
actions.
Criticisms
Problems with the LPC, and the
practicality of it. Unrealistic to
think a leader could not change
their style.
More variables needed to fill in
some gaps in the model.
Variables were difficult to
assess.
Effective style needs to reflect
situational factors.
Examples
Natural disasters,
floods or fires.
Research Scientists