Question

Under the LPC model of leadership, under what conditions is a consideration-oriented leader more likely to perform better than a task-oriented leader, and vice-versa? If a leader is more consideration-oriented in nature and a situation favours a more task-oriented leader, what atr things an organization can do about that? Explain.

Answer 1

Consideration-oriented leaders perform better in collaborative and supportive situations, while task-oriented leaders perform better in structured and goal-oriented situations. If a leader is more consideration-oriented in a situation that favors task-oriented leadership, organizations can provide training, assign co-leaders, and foster a balanced leadership approach.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under the LPC (Least Preferred Coworker) model of leadership, the performance of a consideration-oriented leader or a task-oriented leader depends on the situation.

A consideration-oriented leader, who focuses on building relationships and supporting the well-being of their team members, is more likely to perform better in situations that require collaboration, teamwork, and a supportive environment. For example, in a project where team members need to work closely together and have a high level of trust and communication, a consideration-oriented leader can create a positive and cohesive team dynamic.

On the other hand, a task-oriented leader, who focuses on achieving goals and completing tasks efficiently, is more likely to perform better in situations that require clear direction, structure, and a focus on productivity. For example, in a fast-paced project with strict deadlines, a task-oriented leader can prioritize tasks, set clear expectations, and ensure that everyone is aligned and working efficiently towards the project goals.

If a leader is more consideration-oriented in nature but the situation favors a more task-oriented leader, the organization can take certain actions:

1. Provide training and development opportunities for the leader to enhance their task-oriented skills, such as project management and task delegation.
2. Assign a co-leader or team member who is more task-oriented to collaborate with the consideration-oriented leader and balance out the leadership styles.
3. Ensure that the organization's culture and policies support both consideration and task orientation, fostering a balanced and adaptable leadership approach.