...Leadership Styles and Their Consequences D. D. Warrick University of Colorado This article discusses leadership style theories and offers an integration of the theories by describing the typical characteristics, philpsophy, skills, and consequences associated with each major style. Then an experimental exercise is offered that portrays the major styles and the productivity and satisfaction each i s likely to produce. Finally, a debriefing is presented that helps interpret the exercise and integrate the style theories with contingency theory. Importance of Leadership Style Few leaders understand the full significance of how influential their leadership style is on the performance and satisfaction of their employees. Leaders control both interpersonal and material rewards and punishments that often shape employee behavior and influence an employee’s performance, motivation, and attitude. They can affect an employee’s self-image and resulting potential in either a positive or negative way by being supportive, fair, and encouraging, or unsupportive, inconsistent, and critical. In addition, they can even affect an employee’s health and energy level by creating a stimulating work climate or one filled with tension and fear. The influence of a leader’s style reaches greater proportions as the effects on individuals begin to have a cumulative effect on group performance. There are no doubt variables other than a leader’s style that affect employee performance and satisfaction...
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