Difference In Contingencies Theories

Contingency theory of leadership focuses on the fact that leadership effectiveness is dependent on

whether or not their leadership style suits a particular situation or not. According to this theory a

leader an individual can become an effective leader in one situation and ineffective in another

situation. There is no universal guarantee that an effective leader in one situation will be effective

in all the situation. In leadership style fits in that particular situation or not. In most cases the leader

needs to be self-aware, objective and adaptable (“Understanding the Contingency Theory of

Leadership”, 2020).

Let us have a look at some of the differences of different contingencies theories.

Base of

Difference

Situational

Approach(Hersey

and Blanchard)

Path Goal Theory

Fielder’s Model

Leader Member

Exchange

Definition

This theory stresses

that leadership is

composed of

directive and

supportive dimension

and each should be

applied as per

This theory was

developed to explain

how leaders motivate

followers to be

productive and satisfied

with their work. It is a

contingency approach

This theory

explains that any

leader will be

effective if there

is proper match

between the

leader’s style and

This theory

focuses on

interaction

between leader

and the follower

whereas previous

theories focused

the characteristics of

followers and the task.