Given below are two statements:

Statement (I): The adaptation of leadership styles to different contingencies has been well characterised by Robert Tannenbaum and Warren H. Schmidt, developers of leadership continuum concept.
Statement (II): They see leadership as involving variety of styles, ranging from one that is highly boss-oriented to one that is highly subordinate centered.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Statement I is correct because Robert Tannenbaum and Warren H. Schmidt are indeed credited with the development of the Leadership Continuum Model, which explains how leadership behavior can vary from autocratic to democratic based on various contingencies (such as the situation, leader’s personality, and subordinate readiness). Their work laid the foundation for situational leadership theory.

Statement II is also correct as it captures the essence of the Leadership Continuum. Tannenbaum and Schmidt proposed that leaders should adjust their leadership style along a continuum ranging from boss-centered leadership (authoritative style) to subordinate-centered leadership (participative or democratic style), depending on factors like team maturity, task structure, and organizational environment.

Information Booster:

• The Leadership Continuum Model was proposed in 1958 by Robert Tannenbaum and Warren H. Schmidt.

• It emphasizes the flexibility of leadership behavior based on the readiness of followers and situational demands.

• It outlines seven levels of leadership behavior from authoritative to democratic decision-making.

• The model highlights how leadership is not fixed but evolves with time and context.

• It supports employee development by gradually increasing their role in decision-making.