Which of the following statements best captures the key differences between universalistic approaches and contingency approaches to effective leadership?

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Question restatement: Which of the following statements best captures the key differences between universalistic approaches and contingency approaches to effective leadership?

Option A: 'Universalistic approaches propose a fixed set of traits that make someone an effective leader across all situations, while contingency approaches view leadership effectiveness as depending on matching the right leadership style to the particular situation.' This option correctly distinguishes universalistic theories (which propose stable traits or universal principles for leadership) from contingency theories (which argue that effectiveness depends on situational fit and matching style to context). The reasoning aligns with fundamental texts: universalistic views search for universal traits or behaviors, whereas contingency perspectives emphasize situational constraints and the need to adapt leadership style to the environment.

Option B: 'Universalistic approaches assume leadership is an innate quality, while contingency approaches view leadership abilities as developable through training and experience.' While some universalistic ideas imply trait-based assertions, universalistic theories are not uniformly defined as asserting innateness; many versions focus on universal traits, behaviors, or principles but not necessarily innate versus developed. Moreover, contingency theory centers on context and fit rather than on development or training per se, so this framing is an oversimplification that mischaracterizes both approaches.

Option C: 'Universalistic approaches are more applicable to business leadership contexts, while contingency approaches are more relevant for political or military leadership scenarios.' This claim introduces an artificial domain distinction not inherent to the theories themselves. Both universalistic and contingency perspectives have been applied across diverse leadership contexts, and the division by domain is not a canonical differentiator between them.

Option D: 'Both A and B are correct.' Given the issues identified with Option B and the misalignment of Option C with the theoretical distinctions, this option would be inaccurate because it asserts that both A and B are correct, which hinges on a questionable interpretation of B and C.

Summary assessment: Option A accurately captures the core contrast between universalistic and contingency approaches, emphasizing universal traits or principles versus context-driven style matching. The other options contain at least one conceptual inaccuracy or an overgeneralization that conflicts with the established distinctions between these leadership theories.

PSYC20009_2025_SM2 Supplementary or Special Exam: Personality and Social Psychology (PSYC20009_2025_SM2)- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

Which of the following statements best captures the key differences between universalistic approaches and contingency approaches to effective leadership?

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