Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

The _____ theory of leadership concludes that leaders are the most effective when they achieve a high and balanced concern for both people and tasks.

1. Behavioral.

2. Contingency.

3. Managerial Grid.

4. Path-goal.

The correct answer is: Managerial Grid.

The Managerial Grid theory of leadership posits that effective leaders must focus equally on both the needs of their team (people) and the completion of tasks. This framework assesses leadership styles based on two key axes: concern for people and concern for production. The optimal leadership style, according to this theory, is one that establishes a balance between these two concerns, facilitating a work environment that promotes collaboration while ensuring that goals are met. Leaders who achieve this balance are better equipped to foster a positive team atmosphere and can enhance productivity, contributing to a more effective organization. This theory is particularly valuable in understanding how the dynamic between people and goals can play a critical role in a leader's effectiveness, making it a foundational concept in leadership studies. Other theories, while important in their contexts, do not emphasize this dual focus in the same balanced manner that the Managerial Grid does.