Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

In Fred E. Fiedler's Contingency Leadership Model, what two aspects are considered for maximizing performance?

1. Managerial position and personality

2. Task-orientation and the relationship-oriented style

3. Employee satisfaction and organizational hierarchy

4. Workload and team dynamics

The correct answer is: Task-orientation and the relationship-oriented style

In Fred E. Fiedler's Contingency Leadership Model, the two key aspects considered for maximizing performance are task-orientation and relationship-oriented style. This model posits that the effectiveness of a leader depends on the interplay between their leadership style and the situational context. Leaders who are task-oriented focus primarily on the completion of tasks and the structure of the work required to achieve organizational goals. They emphasize clear objectives, deadlines, and efficient processes, which can be crucial in situations that demand quick results or are highly structured. On the other hand, relationship-oriented leaders prioritize interpersonal connections, team cohesion, and employee morale. They create an environment that fosters trust and collaboration, which is particularly important in situations that require teamwork and support. Fiedler's model asserts that the success of either leadership style is contingent upon the specific circumstances, including the leader’s level of control over the situation and the nature of the tasks. By identifying whether a task-oriented or relationship-oriented approach is more suitable given the context, leaders can maximize performance effectively.