The five contingency theories are: Fiedler’s least-preferred co-worker (LPC) theory, Evans’s path-goal theory, Kerr and Jermier’s leadership substitutes theory, multiple-linkage models (leadership and group effectiveness), and Fiedler et al’s cognitive resources theory. In his general evaluation of the theories, Yukl criticisms the research for being lacking in measures and weak on research design. He also comments that “most managers are too busy in any situation to stop and analyse it with a model”. However, they do provide sufficient guidance to help a manager identify leadership requirements.
Along with the study of traits, behaviors and contingency approaches, much of the research of the last 50 years has focused on the study of “heroic” leaders. Chapter 9 covers this when considering charismatic and transformation leadership.
Researchers have used the terms ‘charismatic’ and ‘transformation’ interchangeably. However, Yukl describes them as distinct but overlapping terms. Again, the major theories are evaluated and guidelines proposed. In summary, charismatic leaders are deemed to have a tremendous influence on organisations, but they may be negative as well as positive. Transformation leaders make followers aware of the importance and value of the work as well as encouraging them to think beyond self-interest. These theories are, however, largely based on a dyadic level of analysis.