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Associate Level Material
Appendix D

Contingency Theory of Leadership

Description of work environment | The work environment that I wish to discuss is retail sales, specifically that of Blockbuster Video stores. These stores thrive on repetitive customer sales, and operate on a theory that a happy customer is one who will always return. Their major rivals in the movie rental industry are Red Box and online streaming sites such as Netflix and Hulu. |

In the table below, categorize different leadership approaches that could be used in the work environment you have described. Provide different suggestions for each of the four approaches to leadership.

Directive approach | Supportive approach | The directive approach is one of decisiveness and keeping to the rules laid out by the company. It tells the employees exactly what is expected of them, and allows them time to familiarize themselves with procedures and processes via training materials prior to actually having to do them.A good handbook of procedures is a wonderful start to any job, but particularly a job with repetitive tasks, such as this one. A handbook also allows the employee to have something to look back on if they are unclear on a procedure. | The supportive approach allows for getting to know the employees on a personal basis while giving them the materials to understand the company’s rules and procedures and letting them explore these materials at a more relaxed pace. Using this approach signifies that the person’s wellbeing, comfort, and confidence are more important than rushing to learn the ropes.Support is important in any job. Knowing that your superiors are rooting for your success makes a person try harder to make them proud of his accomplishments. | Participative approach | Achievement-oriented approach | The participative approach gives employees the guidelines of their jobs while allowing them to participate in changing the rules and parameters of what they do. Their input on day to day functions and policies is noted and considered, and they are made to feel appreciated by the openness of the company to new ideas.When employees are given the opportunity to have a say in how the company is run, it boosts morale and makes them feel as though they are an important part of daily operations. | The achievement-oriented approach bolsters the employees’ dreams of the future, by setting high goals but supporting them with the training to accomplish those goals. This approach helps the employees see that though they may start on the bottom of the company, they can achieve much if they strive for it.Having goals to work toward is the best way for an employee to avoid stagnation in a job, and it also helps boost self-esteem when those goals are met. |

Leadership recommendation | The best leadership approach for this type of business is a mix of the directive approach and the achievement-oriented approach. Making sure that employees are well-informed as to the rules and procedures of the job, and setting achievable goals for them will allow them to work within the parameters of the job to rise in the company and succeed. Knowing that their sales success is an integral part of becoming a good employee will make them aware of what they have to do in order to reach their goals. |