Critical Opinion on 'Leadership: Theory and Practice' by Peter Northouse

Leadership Theory and Practice
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Leadership Theory and Practice
Situational Approach
The situational approach emphasizes that leadership has two dimensions: directive and supportive, and that both must be used effectively in a given scenario. To identify what is required in this situation, a leader must examine his or her followers' competence and commitment to achieving a specific goal. Based on the concept that followers' abilities and motivation develop over time, situational leadership proposes that leaders adjust their directive or supportive behavior to match the changing demands of their followers (Northouse, 2015). In a nutshell, the concept requires that leaders fit their leadership style to the followers' competency and dedication.
A person's leadership style is defined as their pattern of behavior when attempting to influence others; hence directive and supporting behaviors are included. Directive behavior is used to give directions, establish goals and evaluation methods, set timeframes, define respons...