What is Fiedler's Contingency Model?
Fiedler's Contingency Model was developed by psychologist Fred Fiedler in the 1960s.
It suggests that the effectiveness of a leader is not solely based on their own style, but also on how well that style matches the specific situation they are in.
Leaders are categorized into two types:
- Task-oriented leaders, who focus on getting tasks done.
- Relationship-oriented leaders, who prioritize the well-being and relationships within their team.
While most people might favor relationship-oriented leadership, Fiedler argues that neither style is inherently better. Instead, the success of each leadership approach depends on the situation at hand.
How Can It Help in the Management Field?
By recognizing the kind of situation they are dealing with—whether it’s a crisis that requires strict task-focus or a project that relies on team collaboration — the manager can better adapt their approach.
