Final answer:
The Hershey's and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Model is a leadership theory that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in a leader's approach based on the readiness level of individual followers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hershey's and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Model is a leadership theory that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in a leader's approach based on the readiness level of individual followers. According to this model, leadership styles should be adjusted based on the follower's competence and commitment levels.
The model proposes four leadership styles: directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. The leader's approach should change from being more directive and hands-on for low competence and commitment levels to being more delegating and hands-off for high competence and commitment levels.
For example, if a follower is new to a task and lacks confidence or skills, a leader using the directing style would provide clear instructions and closely supervise the follower. On the other hand, if a follower is experienced and confident, the leader would use the delegating style and give them autonomy to make decisions.