and skill in relation to the task. This theory is popular in the workplace, but has yet to gain popularity among researchers and scholars. In addition, few studies have tested the theory, and these studies have found only partial and weak support for it. Among the weaknesses that are cited in the theory are ambiguous constructs, oversimplification and a lack of intervening explanatory processes (Bolman & Deal, 1991, p. 417). Despite these caveats, the theory continues to grow in popularity in the workplace, and numerous seminars are dedicated to offering managers tips on how to apply situational leadership principles in their environments.
Theory Z, popularized by William Ouchi, is another popular leadership theory that is used in the workplace. According to Ouchi, leaders in American organization need to move beyond Theory X (workers are out for as much as they can get with the minimum amount of work) and Theory Y (the individual is the ulti
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