According to Fiedler, which two styles of leadership exist?

Fiedler's contingency theory of leadership identifies two primary styles: relationship-oriented and task-oriented leadership. Relationship-oriented leaders focus on building strong interpersonal relationships, fostering loyalty and camaraderie within their team. They prioritize the team dynamics and the emotional well-being of their members. In contrast, task-oriented leaders emphasize the completion of tasks and the achievement of goals, often prioritizing structure, procedures, and efficiency over interpersonal dynamics.

Fiedler posited that the effectiveness of a leader’s style depends on the context, including how favorable the situation is for the leader. This theory underscores the importance of aligning leadership style with situational variables to optimize team performance. Hence, the classification into relationship-oriented and task-oriented leadership is central to understanding how different styles can impact group dynamics and success.