Which statement is NOT true about situational/contingency leadership?

• A. Leaders must always use a single, fixed leadership style.
• B. It fits on a continuum between authoritarian and laissez-faire.
• C. There is no ideal leadership style for every situation.
• D. As people mature, leadership becomes more relationship oriented.

Answer: (A)

Situational/contingency leadership emphasizes adjusting leadership behavior to fit the needs of followers and the specifics of the situation. The core idea is flexibility: you modify your approach as people develop and as tasks vary. Because of that, there isn’t a requirement to use a single, fixed leadership style all the time. The theory envisions a continuum from more directive/authoritarian to more hands-off/laissez-faire approaches, and it holds that there is no one best style for every circumstance. As people mature and gain competence and confidence, leaders typically shift toward more relationship-oriented behaviors—focusing on coaching, supporting, and empowering rather than solely directing. For example, new employees may need clear instructions and close supervision, while seasoned staff benefit from autonomy and ongoing relational support.