Leadership Continuum

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What is the Leadership Continuum? Description

According to the Leadership Continuum model of R. Tannenbaum and W.H. Schmidt (1973) an autocratic leader will likely make his own decisions. He will not delegate to his subordinates. Whereas a more democratic leader (laissez-faire manager) gives subordinates a greater degree of delegation in decision-making.

In 1938, Lewin and Lippitt proposed classifications of leaders. These were based on how much involvement leaders placed onto task and relationship needs. These types of leadership behavior were expressed in 1973 along a continuum by Tannenbaum & Schmidt. The spectrum ranges from boss-centered (task) to subordinate-centered (relationship).

Forces to consider for Leaders

To choose the most appropriate style and use of authority, the leader should take into consideration:

1. Forces in the manager: belief in team member participation and confidence in capabilities of members. Compare: Theory of Needs

2. Forces in the subordinate person: subordinates who are independent, tolerant of ambiguity, competent, identify with organizational goals.

3. Forces in the situation:

   • the team has requisite knowledge.
   • the team has organizational values and traditions.
   • the team works effectively.

4. Time pressure: need for immediate decision under pressure. Mitigates against participation.

Advantages of the Leadership Continuum Model. Benefits

• Gives managers a range of choices for involvement.

• Presents criteria for involvement and delegation.

• Focuses the decision maker on relevant criteria (e.g. forces & time).

• Emphasizes employee development and empowerment.

• Is heuristic. Encourages research to see how effective delegation may be under the model.

 
Limitations of the Leadership Continuum. Disadvantages

• Involves only the initial step of assigning a task to someone, not the following processes that may determine the effectiveness of the outcome.

• Assumes that the manager has sufficient information to determine the disposition to himself or to the team.

• Assumes "neutral" environment without social bonds or politics.

• Simplifies complex decisions towards a two-polar dimension; more simple than the reality is.

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Expert Tips Advanced insights about the Leadership Continuum. Here you will find professional advices by experts. LEADER: Best Practices for Effective Leadership Behavior Leadership Behavior, Leadership Effectiveness, Leadership Style Following six short behavioral tips can help you to enhance your leadership efficiency: 1. L - LISTENING: Actively list... The Relationship between the Power of Leaders and Overconfidence Leadership, Power, Leadership Development, Executive Education Fast et al. (2012) researched the relationship between power and overconfidence. In many cases it can be seen that decis... How Should CEOs Manage and Communicate the Main Messages? Strategic Communication, Leader Skills, Communication Skills, Leader Perspective Inspiring the organisation to create a better future is arguably the ultimate mission of any leader or CEO. That's why a... Loved and Feared Leaders Another Continuum Scott A. Snook, a retired U.S. Army colonel and now Harvard Professor, in his January 2008 HBR article, addresses a ques...

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding the Leadership Continuum. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. How to Become a Master Manager? Introduction to Managing People. Know Thyself This good introduction presentation is about how to be a Master Manager. By J. S. Osland, D. A. Kolb, I. M. Rubin and M.... Cultural Differences Directive vs Supportive Leader The goal of this study by Hein Wendt, Martin Euwema and Olena Zhytnyk is to clarify relationships between directive and ... The Fatal Coaching Mistake by Managers Coaching, Mentoring, Management, Leadership Managers and executives often don't realize how much influence they have over their staff, by just being their superior... 10 Leadership Theories in a Nutshell Leadership Theories Overview, Leadership Development, Management Development, Leadership Styles, Coaching, Mentoring This 5-minute video gives a brief overview of 10 theories of leadership, explaining their main differences: 1. The Grea... Young Steve Jobs on the Role of Managers Management, Leadership, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development This video is a nice start for any management course. Jobs shares some ideas on managers (in a high-tech environment) an... How to Achieve Employee Engagement Employee Empowerment, Employee Participation, Participative Management, Participative Leadership Tom Peters gives a short, but fundamental advice on how you can accomplish his 3rd and 4th principle (3. Autonomy and En... Leadership Continuum Diagram Comparing autocratic vs. democratic leaders Download and edit the 12manage PowerPoint model for limited personal, educational and business use. Republishing in int...

Research Links Jump to further research sources regarding the Leadership Continuum. News Videos Presentations   Books Academic More

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