Little Research to Backup Situational Leadership

Rating

Little Research to Backup Situational Leadership

The SL model is appealing in its simplicity - hence, probably its attraction as a training model - but there is very little research evidence to support it. The formula it offers managers is a fairly dodgy promise.

I would challenge your assertion that leadership is not primarily about decision-making - why isn't it? Read the literature - Vroom, Tannenbaum and Schmidt, Yukl . . . etc. Leadership is many things, it isn't just about inspiring people.

		Comments by date▼ Comments by rating Rating
		0 David, USA
	Brian's Response Brian, I agree with your thoughts on leadership, which is so much more than inspiration and strategic thinking. In regards to your thoughts on the lack of research for Situational Leadership, I believe it was derived from the research of (House, 1971; House & Mitchell, 1974) which was referred to as the path-goal theory of leadership, which states that a leader's job is to help the work group attain the goals that they desire. Of course with the millions of mangers who utilize this approach, I would question if some research doesn't now exist.

		1 James L Mileur Career Consultant, United States
	Situational Leadership is Foundation Since my exposure to SL, it struck me as the foundational leadership/management principle that everything else builds on. Certainly not the end-all, but neither is the foundation of a building; but try constructing a building without that simple piece of the project.