The Impact of Adapting Leadership Styles to Different Situations: A Research Summary
Can changing your leadership style REALLY make you more effective and your followers more fulfilled? A research summary.
I’m a big fan of ‘leadership styles’ as a tool to help people adapt their leadership approach to suit their circumstances.
I ask them, ‘What kind of approach do the task requirements demand of you?”, “How do you need to behave so that the people around you can be effective and fulfilled in their work?”
This usually really helps leaders to focus on doing the right thing in the right way. For me, it’s part of the principle of being flexible and adaptable. If one leadership style isn’t working, either because of circumstances or because of what people actually need from you; then change it. Try something else.
But is there any evidence to suggest that the kind of systematic changing of leadership style that I’m talking about does actually make a difference? In terms of leadership effectiveness and follower satisfaction, for example?
I looked at five pieces of research to see what was indicated.
1. “Leadership Styles and Associated Personality Traits: Support for the Conceptualisation of Transactional and Transformational Leadership”
This research explains the personality traits of managers exercising different leadership styles and provides empirical support for the conceptualization of leadership in terms of transactional and transformational leadership. It suggests that different leadership styles are associated with different personality traits, implying that leaders may need to tap into different aspects of their personality to effectively adapt their leadership style.
This research contributes to answering my question by suggesting that the adaptability of leadership style may be linked to a leader’s ability to harness different aspects of their personality, which could potentially impact leadership effectiveness and follower satisfaction.
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2. “Positive global leadership”
This paper proposes a new positive approach to global leadership and how it addresses three major challenges in the global context of distance, cultural differences, and cross-cultural barriers. It suggests that a positive approach to leadership, which may involve adapting leadership styles to suit different contexts, can help leaders more effectively meet global challenges.
This research contributes to answering my question by suggesting that the adaptability of leadership style, particularly in a global context, can enhance leadership effectiveness.
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3. “Are Effective Leaders Creative?”
This research investigates the widely held belief that creativity is an important component of effective leadership. It suggests that creative leaders are often more effective, implying that creativity may be an important factor in leadership adaptability.
This research contributes to answering my question by suggesting that creativity, which could be seen as an aspect of leadership style adaptability, may enhance leadership effectiveness.
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4. “Motivation and Leadership in Social Work Management: A Review of Theories and Related Studies”
This paper provides an overview of relevant theories of motivation and leadership and how they apply to social work. It suggests that understanding and applying these theories can enhance leadership effectiveness and follower satisfaction.
This research contributes to answering my question by providing a theoretical foundation for understanding how the adaptability of leadership style can impact leadership effectiveness and follower satisfaction.
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5. “Female Leadership in Software Projects: A Preliminary Result on Leadership Style and Project Context Factors”
This research explores the experience of female leaders of software development projects and possible context factorsthat influence leadership effectiveness. It suggests that female leaders may need to adapt their leadership style to suit the specific context of software development projects.
This research contributes to answering my question by providing a specific context in which leadership style adaptability may enhance leadership effectiveness and follower satisfaction.
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Overall, I think the results are a little mixed. The research indicates that there is evidence to suggest that adapting leadership style to suit the circumstances can be effective for leaders and fulfilling for followers. And while the research does not provide a definitive answer, it does suggest that leadership style adaptability can enhance leadership effectiveness and follower satisfaction – in certain contexts.
Therefore, leaders should consider the potential benefits of adapting their leadership style to suit their circumstances.
So, why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Adapt your leadership style and see the difference it can make in your leadership journey.
And if you want some support around HOW to do that – get in touch!
Let me know what your own experience has been. Does changing your leadership approach to suit your circumstances make a difference for you and the people around you? Click To Tweet
