Final answer:
The Path-goal leadership model is a contingency approach to leadership, where the leader adapts their style to the employees and the working environment to achieve goals. Other models, such as the Michigan model, Ohio State model, Servant leadership model, and Leader-member exchange model, do not primarily focus on situational factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contingency approach to leadership suggests that the optimal course of action is dependent upon the internal and external situation. Among the options provided, the Path-goal leadership model is considered a contingency leadership theory. This model, developed by Robert House, is based on specifying a leader's style or behavior that best fits the employee and work environment in order to achieve a goal (House, 1971).
In contrast, the Michigan model and the Ohio State model focus on behavioral theories of leadership, identifying leadership dimensions and styles without necessarily considering situational factors. The Servant leadership model emphasizes the leader's role as a servant to their followers, and the Leader-member exchange model focuses on the relationship between leaders and individual subordinates rather than a style or response to the situation.
It's essential to understand that effective leadership can vary significantly based on the context. For instance, leaders might adopt different styles when leading a classroom, a workplace, or a sports team based on the needs and dynamics of the group.