1. Situational Theory of Leadership
By: Dan Block

2. The Basics First Formulated by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard
Based on the idea that different leadership styles work in different situations
However the number of styles and the number of situations is finite

3. How the Theory Works

4. The Paint By Number of Leadership Theories

5. Historical Context
Attempted to mix the certainty and predictability of earlier models, with the flexibility of newer models.
Was trying to create a frame work that was the best of both worlds.

6. The Great Schism
Hersey and Blanchard eventually split to take their research in different directions.
This foreshadowed problems the model would run into.

7. Benefits of Situational Theory
It is flexible, but can actually be applied and tested.
It means leadership can be taught.
It implies there is an achievable optimization that can be duplicated across fields.

8. Drawbacks of Situational Theory
It can create a culture of managerial subservience.
Can encouraging putting too many resources into diagnostic activities.
Forces the unit in question to think in the short term.
Methodological problems with creating finite situations and styles.

9. What Does a Situational Leader Look Like?
LBJ
IKE