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How situational contingency and implicit leadership lead to fall of the vice president

Analyzing this case using Fiedler s contingency theory and house s path goal theory

Fiedler s theory

"The basic thesis of fielder s model is that the relative effectiveness of the task oriented or relationship –oriented is contingent upon situational parameters" (Robert, Lisa, Allen, 1982)

"Situational favorability is a variable mediating between the style and the leader's effectiveness. That construction is used to describe the degree to which the outside situation is favorable to the leader's influence on his subordinates. The above-mentioned degree is stated by three targets:

1. Emotional contacts in the layout: the leader—employees (good or difficult),

2. A task structure (simple or compound),

3. A rank of authority (wide or narrow). " (Stefan, 1997, P2)

According to Fiedler s and houses path goal theories, what lead to the fall of Jennifer as a new vice president?

Leadership style

In comparison with the vice president s case Jennifer maintained a good relationship with her group members; she was helping out faculty members in many ways and also had a desire to please people which made her popular. She was also socializing with her team members during the weekend. All this reflect her good relationship with friends. Most importantly her team members were indirectly influencing her in decision making.

Task structure

Fiedler says that a highly structured task, with specific details on the way job is to be executed, helps a leader to gain more influences over group and its responsibilities. Comparing the vice president's task structure style was poor. She had trouble planning, managing, organizing her