Contingency Theory of Leadership
Learn why leaders behave differently across different situations and consider the importance of understanding a leader's personal style. A summary of the contingency theory's strengths and limitations is presented, as well as real case examples from across different sectors and industries.
Technique Overview
Contingency Theory of Leadership Definition
Frederick Fiedler argued in the 1960s that "effective leadership style depended on situational contingencies, such as the nature of the task specifically and how certain or uncertain it was". Leadership depends on the following four contingent factors: 1) the leader's power and influence and his or her chosen goals, 2) followers' expectations, 3) the complexity of the organisation, and 4) the certainty or uncertainty of the task (Lorsch, 2010).
Contingency Theory of Leadership Description *
* The full technique overview will be available soon. Contact us to register your interest in our business management platform, and learn all about Contingency Theory of Leadership.
Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Contingency Theory of Leadership *
* The business evidence section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business Evidence.
Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Contingency Theory of Leadership *
* The business application section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business application.
Professional Tools
Contingency Theory of Leadership videos and downloads *
* The professional tools section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the professional tools.
Further Reading
Contingency Theory of Leadership web and print resources *
Contingency Theory of Leadership references (4 of up to 20) *
- Ayman, R., Chemers, M. M., & Fiedler, F. (1995). The contingency model of leadership effectiveness and its levels of analysis. Leadership Quarterly, 6,147-168.
- Bolden, R., Gosling, J., Marturano, A. and Dennison, P. (2003) A Review of Leadership Theory and Competency Frameworks. Centre for Leadership Studies.
- Chesky, B., 2020. A message from co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. Airbnb Newsroom. Available at: https://news.airbnb.com/a-message-from-co-founder-and-ceo-brian-chesky/ [Accessed 21 July 2025].
- Fiedler, F. E. (1967) A Theory of Leadership Effectiveness, New York: McGraw-Hill.
* The further reading section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the further reading.
Learn more about KnowledgeBrief Manage and how you can equip yourself with the knowledge to succeed on Contingency Theory of Leadership and hundreds of other essential business management techniques