Hosking, Dian Marie (1978) A critical evaluation of Fiedler's predictor measures of leadership effectiveness. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Fiedler has claimed that leadership effectiveness is a function of:

a) the type of leader (measured by LPC or ASO),

b) the type of group,

c) the type of task, and

d) the position-power of the leader.

In Part I, evidence is presented to show that LPC/ASO scores correlate with leadership effectiveness, but not in the manner required by Fiedler's theory. The conclusions reached differ from those usually presented in the literature, and are based on a detailed, systematic description of available research. It is felt that this critique constitutes a substantial theoretical contribution, worthy of publication in its own right.

In Parts II and III, the meaning of LPC/ASO is examined. Particular attention is paid to relationships between LPC/ASO and:

a) cognitive complexity;

b) perceptions of leader behaviour.

Three types of evidence are presented:

a) a critical review of existing studies (felt to be a substantial contribution to the literature);

b) correlations between LPC/ASO and independent measures of cognitive complexity (calculated for subjects with and without leadership experience);

c) an experimental investigation of perceptions of leader behaviour It is concluded that:

a) Existing interpretations of LPC/ASO are inadequate. In particular, LPC/ASO do not relate to measures of cognitive complexity used in this study.

b) LPC/ASO do not appear to reflect straightforward differences in perceptions of leader behaviour.

c) No satisfactory interpretation of LPC/ASO exists, furthermore, recent research calls into question their test-retest reliability.

d) Fiedler's theory contains severe theoretical and methodological flaws, and lacks empirical support. It is suggested that his theory be rejected, and further research concentrate on other individual-difference variables.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Contingency theory (Management), Fiedler, Fred Edward, Leadership -- Psychological aspects
Official Date:	January 1978
Dates:	Date Event January 1978 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Morley, Ian E.
Sponsors:	Engineering Industry Training Board
Extent:	[15], 299 leaves : illustrations, charts
Language:	eng

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