Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Management)
Situational leadership can be very effective in schools if applied correctly. It is
therefore essential for the head of department to know exactly what situational
leadership is all about.
Situational leadership is defined by the Hersey and Blanchard as follows:
Situational leadership is based on an interplay among:
the amount of guidance and direction (task behaviour) a leader
gives,
the amount of socio-emotional support (relationship behaviour)
a leader provides, and
the readiness level displayed by the followers in performing a
specific task, function or objective.
There is unfortunately no one best way to influence teachers. It is of the utmost
importance that the head of department must have the ability to diagnose and
interpret the situation correctly in order to adapt his style accordingly. The
leadership style of the head of department will therefore match the maturity level
of the teachers.
The ultimate goal will be the effective changing of leadership style from telling
to selling to participating and eventually to delegating. The teachers will then be
able to function independent and autonomous.
The influence of various management models and-theories will also be dealt with
in this research. The model of Hersey and Blanchard most probably originated
from the model of Tannenbaum and Schmidt.
Situational leadership is accepted worldwide as effective and functional if applied
correctly. The correct application will thus result in effective teaching and
positive results in that specific department.
It is therefore an indisputable fact that situational leadership has a positive
influence on teaching and educating if applied efficiently.