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Contents
- Abstract
- Indicators of Behavioral Flexibility
- Relevant Theories and Research
- Contingency Theories of Effective Leadership
- Leadership Roles for Different Types of Positions
- Transitions to Different Leadership Positions
- Managing Immediate Crises
- Adapting to Emerging Threats or Opportunities
- Competing Values and Stakeholder Conflicts
- Traits and Skills That Enhance Flexible Leadership
- Limitations and Research Suggestions
- Weaknesses and Limitations
- Suggestions for Future Research
- Summary
Abstract
In this article we explain different conceptions of flexible and adaptive leadership and the reasons why such leadership is essential in today's organizations. Then we briefly describe several streams of research that provide useful knowledge about flexible and adaptive leadership. It was not feasible to provide a comprehensive and detailed review for each research stream, but we describe the primary research methods, summarize major findings, and provide some practical guidelines for leaders on how to become more flexible and adaptive. Finally, we point out limitations of the available research and make recommendations for future research.
Flexible and adaptive leadership involves changing behavior in appropriate ways as the situation changes. A variety of terms have been used to describe leaders who are able to accurately diagnose the situation and vary their behavior accordingly. Examples of these terms include flexible, adaptable, agile, and versatile (e.g., Kaiser, Lindberg, & Craig, 2007; Pulakos, Arad, Donovan, & Plamondon, 2000). As yet, there is considerable ambiguity in the management and leadership literature about the nature of flexible leadership and how to assess it. One reason for the ambiguity is that flexible leadership can occur in several different contexts. For example, flexibility is required within the same position as conditions change for a leader, and flexibility is also required when moving from one type of leadership position to another with different responsibilities and challenges.
Flexible and adaptive leadership is becoming more important for most managers and administrators as the pace of change affecting organizations increases (e.g., Burke & Cooper, 2004; Dess & Picken, 2000). The types of changes that increase the need for flexibility, adaptation, and innovation by leaders include: increased globalization and international commerce, rapid technological change, changing cultural values, a more diverse workforce, more use of outsourcing, new forms of social networking, increased use of virtual interaction, more visibility of leader actions (e.g.,...