There are different approaches to leadership theories that have defined leadership over time. The situational and behavioral approaches are some of the theories of leadership that are widely discussed. The two are completely different from each other based on how leaders make decisions and interact with followers. These two leadership approaches explain why certain leaders act the way they do and why they make certain decisions. The behavioral approach to leadership is concerned with how a leader interacts with followers when in different situations. In this approach, the behavior of a leader is the best predictor of his leadership influence and success ( Northouse, 2016) . The behavioral approach to leadership is categorized into task-oriented and relationship-oriented leadership, which are compared based on productivity outcomes.
Contrasting Views
According to Storey (2016) , task-oriented leaders focus their behavior on the structure of an organization and achieving the set goals. The main objective of the task-oriented leaders involves ensuring that the set goals and objectives are achieved effectively. While such leaders also consider motivation as a factor, it is not top of the list on their concerns. Instead, task-oriented leaders focus on defining roles and business goals, planning, organizing, and monitoring work to ensure accomplishment of specific goals (Tabernero et al., 2009). In that case, the leader focuses on implementing work structures and desired outcomes rather than building an interpersonal relationship and may use conditional reinforcement to manage performance. Northouse (2016) maintains that the approach is effective in situations where an organization seeks to increase on productivity, which is part of the organizational goals and objectives.
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In contrast, a relational approach to leadership is a behavioral approach where leaders focus on the motivation and wellbeing of their followers. According to Storey (2016) , the approach is characterized by developing a positive correlation with followers, learning their strengths and weaknesses then creating a working relationship with them. Tabernero, C., Chambel, M. J., Curral, L., & Arana (2009) maintain that the relationship leadership approach focuses on the personal welfare of followers by creating a collegial environment. Such leaders understand that a positive working relationship is crucial in avoiding conflicts and driving productivity. Both task and relational behaviors are crucial to the behavioral approach to leadership (Tabernero et al., 2009). However, no leader can be effective in having task behavior and be equally effective in relationship behaviors due to conflicting concepts. In that case, leaders tend to have only a single behavior that defines their individual leadership strategies.
On the other hand, the situational approach to leadership is concerned with the different situations in which a leader is placed. It is based on the belief that different situations will demand a different type of leadership (West, 2013). The leader works with his subordinates to identify a situation and execute a move in tandem with the situation and the members. According to Wright (2012) , situational approach to leadership can be categorized into supportive or directive leadership. A leader can choose to be directive or supportive depending on the attitude and the skill of his followers. Directive leadership is when the leader lets his followers know what is expected of them and how tasks should be accomplished while supportive leadership shows concerns for the needs of followers by being approachable (Northouse, 2016).
According to Storey (2016) , situation leadership is an expression of transformational and empowering leadership where leaders pay attention to the individual needs of their followers. The leader under the situational approach acts as a coach or mentor to help their followers achieve growth. The approach involves leaders enhancing motivation by connecting followers to a sense of identity and inspiring them by acting as a role model (West, 2013). It is important to note that situational leadership involves creating empowerment opportunities for followers while being sensitive to their needs. The focus is on intellectual stimulation that entails deciding to fit a situation and achieve a target, which is a crucial aspect towards enhancing success in an organization.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Leadership Approaches
The first major strength associated with behavioral leadership approach involves the ability to achieve organization goals and objectives. The fact that behavioral approach focuses on the behaviors of the leaders helps in ensuring that the leaders work towards the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. The second strength involves creating a comfortable environment for workers, which is an aspect that is enhanced through positive interactions. On the other hand, there are weakness that impact on the level of effectiveness of the leadership approach. The main weakness of the behavioral leadership approach involves the fact that it is more concerned with achievement of goals rather than motivating employees. The strengths associated with situational leadership approach include the recognition of the need for flexibility, increased awareness of the leader, and the ability to support teamwork. However, there are weaknesses such as overreliance on the skill level of the leader and the creation of corporate dependency.
Biblical Application
Both behavioral and situational leadership approaches are built on biblical principles and teachings. From a Christian worldview, a person’s behavior as a leader is prescribed by being in Christ and walking in his likeliness. Jesus applied the concept of relational behaviors when he developed a close relationship with his disciples and mentored them to walk in his ways ( Wright, 2012) . Jesus understood that relationships are the key to effective leadership and organization. As a result, he spent most of his time interacting with his followers, teaching, and mentoring them to do his work. On the other hand, the concept of situational leadership also resonates with some aspects of spiritual leadership, especially touching on biblical images of a mentor, shepherd, and equipper. In his teachings, Jesus demonstrated the aspect of situational leadership by engaging in different interactions with people that had different needs. Situational leadership is a good tool for leaders, as it helps to ensure that the leaders addresses each individual and situation differently.
Conclusion
Effective leadership approaches are determined by the ability for a leader to adopt proactive leadership strategies, traits, and qualities that would separate him/her from others. These approaches are considered as being of great importance, as they define how leaders are expected to behave to achieve specific goals and objectives. Contrasting views have been presented on the effectiveness of leadership approaches in defining a leader’s ability. However, the views focus on the understanding that leaders are indeed expected to focus their attention on their respective goals. Achievement of these goals is of uttermost importance irrespective of the leadership strategies or traits. The evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of leadership approaches indicates that the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses, which highlights the value of having to adopt effective leadership approach.
References
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice , 7 th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing.
Storey, J. (2016). Changing theories of leadership and leadership development. In Leadership in Organizations (pp. 17-41). Routledge.
Tabernero, C., Chambel, M. J., Curral, L., & Arana, J. M. (2009). The role of task-oriented versus relationship-oriented leadership on normative contract and group performance. Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal, 37(10), 1391-1404.
West, R. C. (2013). Situational Discipleship: The five-fold ministry roles of Ephesians 4: 11 and their relationship to the Situational Leadership model. Culture & Religion Review Journal , 2013 (3).
Wright Jr, W. C. (2012). Relational leadership: A biblical model for influence and service . InterVarsity Press.
