The developers of the situational leadership concept are Hersey and Blanchard. This leadership model emphasizes that no single leadership style is best; instead, effective leadership varies according to the task, the level of team maturity, and the specific situation. Hersey and Blanchard identified different leadership styles—directive and supportive behaviors—and suggested that leaders should adjust their styles based on the developmental level of their followers.
This adaptability is key in ensuring that leaders provide the right amount of guidance and support, enhancing team effectiveness and individual growth. The model provides a framework for understanding how to lead effectively in different circumstances, making it a widely used approach in management and organizational behavior.
The other choices represent figures in different management theories; for instance, Kotter and Schlesinger are known for their work on change management, while Maslow and Herzberg are well-known for their contributions to motivation theories. Drucker and Mintzberg are prominent figures in management theory but are not associated with the situational leadership framework.