Final answer:
The best leaders use both task-oriented and people-oriented behaviors. They adapt their leadership style according to the characteristics of their followers and the specific situation, implying that successful leadership is context-dependent and requires flexibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to studies of task- and people-oriented leadership effectiveness, the best leaders are found to use both task-oriented and people-oriented behaviors. Transformative leadership, which involves aspects of both styles, has been shown to be more effective than purely transactional leadership. However, research also indicates that there is no single best leadership-follower dynamic, as individual differences among followers (such as their degree of extroversion, need for leadership, etc.) affect how they respond to different leadership styles. This suggests that an effective leader must be adaptable to the needs and responses of their followers.
Empirical studies have revealed that while there might be minor gender differences in leadership styles, with women tending towards more interpersonal styles and men to more task-oriented styles, the differences are not absolute and often subsumed by organizational culture and the requirements of effective leadership. The best leadership style might also depend on the specific context and the characteristics of the followers, which means that a successful leader must be able to employ a range of leadership behaviors and adapt their style to fit the situation and meet the needs of their team.