¶ … developmental levels of situational leadership are four in total with four styles that correspond. D1, which is low competence, high commitment and corresponds with the style of leadership known as S1 or Telling/Directing. An appropriate use of D1 and S1 would be in those instances in which followers are lacking in competence. Here, they would need to have a demonstratio of how to do peform an action or do something. The followers in these instances would be energetic and committed, willing to accept the position of the leader and being directed. Here, supervision and direction is needed to get them to begin something. corresponds with S2 and D2 is low commitement, but some competence with S2 being selling/coaching. Followers for this instance would need some direction and supervision due to their relative inexperience. The key difference in this level is the need for the leader to show praise in order to build confidence as well as make decisions. They give support and direction.

D3 is high competence, variable commitment and it corresponds to S3 which is encouraging.supporting. The followers for this instance are fairly competent but lack motivation and confidence. The role of the effective leader here is to share responsibility for an issue resolution as well as invlving others in decision-maing. Essentially, in this level, they give a lot of attention and support, but not a lot of direction. This level encourages facilitative leadership styles vs. directive leadership style.

The fourth and final level is D4 which is high commitement and high competence and it corresponds to S4, empowering/delegating. Leaders in this instance would provide followers who are already highly commited and competent, with concise and clear objectives along with some limits and boundaries to their authority. Here followers are encouraged to makr their own decisions and stick to their own deadlines.

2. Question 3: "First, path-goal theory is so complex and incorporates so many different aspects of leadership that interpreting the theory can be confusing" (p. 136).

In essence, the two characteristics Path Goal uses would be structure needed and perceived level of ability. Some followers do well under more supervision and more structure while others do poorly due to low motivation. The same can be said of perceived level of ability. Confidence and competence play a vital...

Question 4: The four styles of leadership under Path Goal theory is supportive, directive, participative, and achievement-oriented leadership. In supportive leadership, the leader considers the needs of the follower as well as show concern for the well-being of the follower and create a friendly, comfortable work environment. This style is meant to increase the follower's self -esteem. This is good for boring work. Directive leadership is all about directing followers on what needs to be done including giving adequate direction along the way. Exmaples of this would include particular work schedules during specific times. Rewards can be increased and more structure as well as clarity of roles can be done with this style. It helps inexperienced followers as well as increase sense of control and security. Participative leadership includes consultation with followers when making decisions and taking specific actions. This is good for followers who are experts and expect to dole out advice when needed. The last one, achievement-oriented leadership, is a style where the leade sets challenging objectives in self-improvement and work. High standards are expected as well as demonstrated. When tasks are complex and the leader has faith in the followers abilities, this is the most suitable style to use.
4. Questions 5-11

Question 5: Since supportive and directive are for followers that are inexperienced or lacking confidence, participative leadership would be helpful because the followers mastery would make him/her an expert. Question 6: Directive leadership then can be used for the inexperienced and overwhelmed follower as it involves clear direction and more structure. Question 7: S2 would be utilized as the person is experiencing low-self-esteem or low confidence, here a coaching/supportive style would be more useful as the follower would then gain more confidence through the leader's efforts. Question 8: S4 or empowering/delegating because this means the follower does nto need as much if any support or direction as the follower is highly experienced and highly motivated. Question 9: Achievement-oriented leadership is best suited for D4 because the follower is both confident and competent.…