Guide to Management Theory of Fred Fiedler

Fiedler's contingency theory provides companies with the flexibility to succeed
By Jeanne Dininni

In contrast to many classical management theories, the contingency model of leadership, developed by Fred Fiedler, states that no single approach to management is effective for all organizations at all times and under all circumstances. Fiedler's management theory effectively did away with the "One Best Way" methods of management that preceded it. According to Fiedler, contingency theory is required for business success. This is because company size and structure, environmental change and uncertainty, type of technology in use by the business and leadership style of company management each play a significant role in determining the most effective management model for a given company at a given time. In addition, the management theory that proves effective today may not be effective tomorrow, when the above factors change.

Because of the continuously changing nature of the business organization and environment, Fiedler's management theory requires management to consider all aspects of the current situation before making managerial decisions. Some factors, or constraints, other than those mentioned above, which impact a company and its contingency strategy are these:

1. The company's ability to adapt to its environment;

2. The assumptions managers make about employees; and

3. The differences between available resources and operational activities.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand Fiedler contingency theory and its implications for your company Numerous websites provide valuable information about Fiedler's theory. In addition to diagrams and summaries of Fred Fiedler management principles, you'll find various videos and instructional materials that can help you develop the background knowledge and practical expertise to put Fiedler's theories to work for your company.

I recommend: Free-Ed.Net provides free online courses in numerous subjects. One course, called Principles of Business Management, includes Fred Fiedler's Contingency Theory. AuthorStream offers a PowerPoint presentation for online viewing which explains Fred Fiedler's Contingency Model of Leadership. Other leadership presentations are also available at this site.

Take advantage of consulting services based on Fiedler management theories Consultants with knowledge and experience in the management theory of Fred Fiedler can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.

I recommend: JMK Associates offers numerous customized management consulting and training services, and Leadership Success Strategies provides leadership consulting and other related services that can help you run your business better.

Access online tools which can help you practice the management theory of Fred Fiedler Widely available online tools and resources can help you more easily implement Fiedler's management theory principles. PowerPoints, charts and other informational tools provide a resource pool from which you may choose the materials most valuable to your business.

I recommend: Think TQ offers a Synergize/Leadership Quick Test to help you determine your leadership style and assess your ability to develop synergistic relationships with your teams. The site also offers virtual training to help you improve your leadership skills. ChangingMinds provides a chart illustrating Fiedler's Least Preferred Co-Worker (LPC) Theory, along with a description of the theory, which can help you score your managers and team leaders, determining their LPC styles. This can help you assess which type of leadership approach will work best for your organization. HRDQ offers a Focused Leader Profile, which can be used for management and supervisor training of various types and levels. Andrews University provides a downloadable PowerPoint presentation on Leadership Theories, which includes Fred Fiedler's theory of leadership. Chad T. Brinsfield also offers a downloadable PowerPoint called Leadership in Organizations, which again, covers Fiedler theory, among others.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Never underestimate the value of Fiedler management theory to your company. If your budget is small, take advantage of free information and tools available online and consider advancing to paid products, training or consulting services when they become more affordable to you.