2. 2
Situational Theory
Hersey and Blanchard’s extension
of the Leadership Grid focusing on
the characteristics of followers as
the important element of the
situation, and consequently, of
determining effective leader
behavior
3. 3
Ex. 3.4 Hersey and Blanchard’s
Situational Theory of Leadership
Follower Characteristics Appropriate Leader Style
Low readiness level
Moderate readiness level
High readiness level
Very high readiness level
Telling (high task-low relationship)
Selling (high task-high relationship)
Participating (low task-high rel.)
Delegating (low task-low relationship)
Can be tailored to individual followers
4. Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Model
Immature
Employees
Low High
High
Low
Mature
Employees
Willing/Able Unwilling/able Willing/unable Unwilling/unable
4 3 2 1
Leader’s concern with task
Leader’s
concern
with
relationship
5. 5
High Moderate Low
R4 R3 R2 R1
Able and
willing or
confident
Able but
unwilling
or insecure
Unable but
willing or
confident
Unable and
unwilling
or insecure
Leader
Directed
Follower
Directed
Follower Readiness
Hersey-Blanchard Situational
Leadership®
Model
6. 5
High Moderate Low
R4 R3 R2 R1
Able and
willing or
confident
Able but
unwilling
or insecure
Unable but
willing or
confident
Unable and
unwilling
or insecure
Leader
Directed
Follower
Directed
Follower Readiness
Hersey-Blanchard Situational
Leadership®
Model
