University of Phoenix Contigency Theory of Leadership

Associate Level Material

Appendix D

Contingency Theory of Leadership

Description of work environment The work environment I intend to use in this assignment is that of a large company with many employees spread throughout many locations, Wal-Mart.

In the table below, categorize different leadership approaches that could be used in the work environment you have described. Provide different suggestions for each of the four approaches to leadership.

Directive approach Supportive approach

A leader could use the directive approach in this work environment. A Wal-Mart manager could schedule work shifts for employees, offer training, have a clear set of rules and work standards, and offer bonuses, raises, or promotions to employees with better performance. The supportive approach could also be used by a manager at Wal-Mart. Being concerned about the needs of an employee, being approachable, and acting in a non-threatening way may be possible for a manager at Wal-Mart. Treating employees as equals may help make the manager seem more approachable.

Participative approach Achievement-oriented approach

Encouraging and using suggestions from employees, scheduling work in a group setting, and applauding proactive work habits will help a leader at Wal-Mart manage their group in a participative manner. The achievement-oriented approach at Wal-Mart might involve a leader showing confidence in their employees, and allowing them to do their job any way they want—but reminding the employee of the need to be proactive, and the importance of their performance level. Managers could set goals for employees and allow them to achieve them their own way.

Leadership recommendation If I had to choose only one, my recommendation for the best leadership approach for this company would be the directive approach. Although I do think that it is possible, and sometimes necessary, for leaders to integrate parts of the other approaches, this approach is the one that I believe...