Definition
Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard were the first to describe the delegating leadership style in the late 1960s. The delegating leader is willing to turn over responsibility for decision making and problem solving to the followers. In turn, the followers will decide if the leader will be involved in task completion.
The delegating task can help the improvement and learning of employees, which can mean that the company will not need to find qualified workers to fill new positions, reducing employee turnover rate
Explanation
Hersey and Blanchard were proponents of situational™ leadership, whereby leaders modify their styles to the job function or workplace environment. They characterized these styles in terms of both the task and relationship with the followers.
The delegating leadership style is thought to be most effective when the followers are comfortable taking responsibility, and have the experience to accomplish the necessary tasks. The delegating leader provides guidance in the decision making process; then delegates to followers the responsibility for completion of the task. The leader then assumes responsibility for monitoring the progress of the followers against the requirements necessary to complete the task.
Related Terms
A leadership model that links the effectiveness of a leader's style to the current work environment is referred to as situational leadership. Described by both Goleman and Blanchard, a deep understanding of conditional leadership allows the manager to change their leadership style as conditions warrant.
Moneyzine EditorNovember 22nd, 2023
Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard in the late 1960s were the first to describe the coaching leadership style. In 2002, Daniel Goleman went on to document the coaching leader as one of his six leadership styles.Moneyzine EditorNovember 22nd, 2023
Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard in the late 1960s were the first to describe the directing leadership style. The directing leader clearly provides specific instructions, defines the roles and tasks of the "follower," and closely supervises task completion.Moneyzine EditorNovember 22nd, 2023
Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard in the late 1960s were the first to describe the supporting leadership style. The supporting leader passes the day-to-day task-related decisions along to the followers. The followers and the supporting leader jointly participate in making decisions, sometimes carrying them out together.Moneyzine EditorNovember 22nd, 2023
