The contingency theory of leadership says the closer the match between leader style and a particular situation, the more effective the leader will be. This theory follows the Least Preferred Coworker (LPC) scale, as shown to the right. If a leader scores high on the LPC, it means the leader is relationship oriented, whereas being low on the LPC means that the leader is task oriented according to Rowe & Guerrero. The path-goal theory of leadership is a little different from the previous two because it is more about what leaders need to get the job done. This theory defines the goal, clarifies the path, removes obstacles, and provides support. The LMX theory is concerned with the differential nature of the relationships between leaders and each of their followers.The situational approach to leadership is better learned through experience. The more experience you have reacting to a certain situation, the easier the decision will become. Recently, I was able to demonstrate this approach through my job as a pharmacy technician. Customer service is one of the main priorities of retail pharmacy and as a lead technician I have to adapt my style of leadership everyday based on the situation of the individual customers needs. Now, through experience, I am more able to make the best or correct decision based on the situation.
As previously stated, there are many different styles and approaches to leadership. The situational approach, described above, is only one of these. Each theory is based on different concepts and entails different ways to achieve leadership.
