Hersey and Blanchard Model

Categories: Financial Theory

The Hersey-Blanchard model is a process for understanding how to alter your leadership style to the needs of the situation. The theory rests on the assumption that no single leadership approach provides an optimal fit for all situations. Instead, leaders should fit their strategy to the circumstances.

Specifically, a leader can choose from four leadership styles, under the Hersey and Blanchard system. The choice is made based on the maturity level of their followers. The leader can pick among Telling, Selling, Participating, and Delegating.

The process is also known as the Situational Leadership Model. It was developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, who first published the system in 1969.

Find other enlightening terms in Shmoop Finance Genius Bar(f)