Comments were presented about four styles of leader- ship that would be best for their particular organization in the future.
• People-oriented leadership (25.8% of respondents endorsed). Respondents mentioned people-oriented leadership because projects are completed through people. One noted that he had seen this style work while other styles failed and another respondent stated, ''Treat them well and they will remain loyal and the company will succeed.''
• Participative leadership (22.6%). Not surprisingly,
a participative style was endorsed given that project staff are typically well-educated and articulate staff who have much (specialized) knowledge and experience to contribute. One person noted the inclusion in decision-making and fostering of creative freedom as important characteristics associated with this style.
• Transformational leadership (16.1%). Several respondents advocated transformational leadership, with one stating, ''Because most Canadian organizations are lagging behind the world's leading organizations, though this is not apparent since the [dollar] exchange rate advantage for Canada has hidden weaknesses such as the low productivity of labour.''
• Situational Leadership (12.9% respondents). Several
mentioned situational leadership with the following quotes illustrating the rationale for the situational style.
''Situational leadership appears to fit the future needs the best...this style appears to fit with the needs of project management and has the flexibility that is required in diverse workforces.''
''Each project is the consequence of a unique
contract.''
''No one [leadership] style is right for every situation. Thus, situational leadership - which is a style of styles - is best but difficult for many people to develop.''
• Transactional (6.2%), Directive (3.2%), and Task
Leadership (3.2%) styles were rarely endorsed.