Leadership Theory Paper Milestone 4: Evaluating Significance (Coursework Sample)

Leadership Theory Paper Milestone 4: Evaluating Significance
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Leadership Theory Paper Milestone 4: Evaluating Significance
The chosen leadership theory is situational leadership theory. Situational leadership theory is critical to the study of psychology as it fosters the adoption of various leadership styles based on the situation and the team members' development levels. Ghazzawi et al. (2017) note that psychologists presumed no optimal leadership profile exists, and no leader possesses the same traits as others. Therefore, different situations need different leadership approaches, given that they have different characteristics. In this regard, situational leadership theory is critical to psychology as it prompts leaders to adapt to their followers' needs.
The situational leadership theory significantly impacts leadership and psychology. Regarding leadership, this theory fosters the adoption of both supportive and directive approaches based on followers' commitment (Ghazzawi et al., 2017). This theory encompasses task behavior, followers' commitment, and relation behavior (Northouse, 2015). Therefore, it promotes openness between leaders and followers and enhances followers' independence and competence. Regarding psychology, the situational leadership theory promotes an understanding of human behavior and traits. Notably, leaders have to adapt their leadership style to suit the situation; hence, they must analyze their followers' behavior and development level.
The situational leadership theory emerged in the mid-twentieth century and played a significant role in advancing leadership theory by recognizing the importance of factors transcending the leader and the follower. It acknowledged several factors influencing leadership, including task, the environment, status, and relative position power of the leader (King, 1990). Gavino & Portugal (2015) argue that assessing various factors is essential in the leadership role as it determines the leadership design and conduct. Hence, situational leadership’s acknowledgment of different factors helps determine the leadership traits, behaviors, skills, and influence that would lead to effective leadership in a given situation.
Finally, I chose the situational leadership theory because modern-day leaders face different situations that need them to adapt their leadership styles.