Similarities
Both Tannebaum-Schmidt Continuum and Fiedler’s theory discuss how well a leader can manage an organization in different situations using diverse leadership styles. They both agree that there is no one particular way a team can be led; many other options can be used for effective leadership in an organization (Hunt & Fitzgerald, 2018). They also believe that the situation at hand determines how well a spearheader can lead his or her team. Both of them support the leadership styles, which are task- and relationship-oriented ones, provided they serve the right purpose. Additionally, they agree that a leader’s effectiveness is well recognized when the leadership style used suits the situation (Hunt & Fitzgerald, 2018). In both, the most effective leadership style to be utilized has been gauged on the leader’s relationship and his or her subordinates (Hunt & Fitzgerald, 2018). The two theories have all performed their research to understand what leadership style is all about.
Contrasts
In the Tannebaum-Schmidt Continuum, leadership styles vary depending on the force of the situation, whereas in Fiedler’s Leadership Contingency Model, the force of the situation is the one supposed to adapt to the leadership style. Further, Fiedler’s model state that particular leaders in a given time should fit into any situation therein (Safonov et al., 2018). The style chosen by the leader is not variable, and the leader cannot alter it even if the situation changes. According to Safonov et al. (2018), in Tannebaum-Schmidt Continuum, the leader’s action is driven by three forces: those in the situation, in the follower, and in the leader, whereas in Fiedler’s theory, the force in the situation is the only factor considered.
References
Hunt, J., & Fitzgerald, M. (2018). Styles of Leadership. Leadership: Regional and Global Perspectives, 62-97. Web.
Safonov, Y., Maslennikov, Y., & Lenska, N. (2018). Evolution and modern tendencies in the theory of leadership. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, 4(1), 304-310.