Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Who is recognized as a key figure in the Contingency theory of leadership?

1. Adair

2. Bennis

3. Fiedler

4. Heifitz

The correct answer is: Fiedler

The recognition of Fiedler as a key figure in the Contingency theory of leadership stems from his formulation of the theory which posits that effective leadership is contingent upon the interplay between a leader's style and the specific situational variables present. Fiedler's approach contrasts with other theories that assert a one-size-fits-all model for leadership effectiveness. His major contribution is the development of the Least Preferred Co-worker (LPC) scale, which allows for the classification of leaders based on their relationships with followers. Fiedler argued that a leader's effectiveness depends on their ability to adapt their style to the demands of the environment they find themselves in, including factors such as the nature of the task and the relationship with the team. This distinguishes his work within the broader field of leadership theory, highlighting the importance of context and situational factors in determining the effectiveness of different leadership styles. The other choices represent influential figures in leadership but do not primarily focus on the contingency aspect which is pivotal to Fiedler's contributions. Adair, Bennis, and Heifitz have made notable advancements in various leadership theories and practices, but none are specifically identified with the contingency approach as Fiedler is.