Which leadership theory emphasizes adapting styles based on circumstances?

The emphasis of situational theories of leadership lies in the adaptability of leadership styles to suit varying circumstances and the needs of team members. This approach recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all leadership style and that effective leaders assess the development level of their followers and the specific situation they are dealing with.

Situational theories suggest that a leader may need to adopt a more directive style when team members are inexperienced and require guidance, while a more delegative style might be appropriate when followers are skilled and require less oversight. By adapting their approach, leaders are able to effectively motivate and guide their teams toward success.

In contrast, transactional leadership focuses more on the exchanges that happen between leaders and followers, rewarding or punishing based on performance, rather than assessing the situation. Transformational leadership aims to inspire and elevate followers through visionary communication and emotional intelligence rather than situational adaptability. Autocratic leadership is characterized by a leader making decisions unilaterally without concern for the input of team members, which does not allow for adaptability based on circumstances.