38

🎯 Main Points

Chapter 38

PSY407 - Sport Psychology

👤 Important Figure

Fiedler - Developed Contingency Theory of leadership

🔑 Key Concepts

          Traits: Stable personality characteristics (intelligence, aggressiveness, independence)

          Behaviors: Observed actions of leaders

          Universal: Works in all situations

          Situational: Effective only in specific situations

🧠 Early Debates

Traits vs Behaviors - What makes a good leader?
Universal vs Situational - Does it work everywhere or only sometimes?
Born vs Made - Are leaders born or can they be trained?

📈 Universal Trait Theory

"Great Man" theory
Certain leaders have traits making them successful anywhere
Leaders are BORN not made

📈 Universal Behavior Theory

Post-WWII shift in thinking
Successful leadership behaviors can be taught
Leaders are MADE not born

🔄 Fiedler's Contingency Theory

          Leadership is situation-specific

          Effectiveness depends on: Relationship Style + Situational Factors

          Leader effective in one situation may not be in another

💡 Two Situation-Specific Behavior Theories

Path-Goal Theory

Leader provides "well-lighted path" to help followers reach goals
Rewards for success
Points out roadblocks/pitfalls

Life Cycle Theory

Focuses on subordinates (not leader)
Leadership style depends on maturity of follower
Task + relationship behavior combined

⚠ Playing Position and Leadership

          Central Positions = Greater leadership opportunities

          Example: Cricket wicketkeeper > boundary fielder

          Stacking Issue: Minorities underrepresented in central positions

💡 Exam Tips

Traits = characteristics, Behaviors = actions
Universal trait: "great man" born leaders
Universal behavior: leaders can be made (post-WWII)
Fiedler: situation-specific, relationship + situational factors
Path-Goal: well-lighted path to goals
Life Cycle: focus on follower maturity
Central positions = more leadership opportunities