Rensis Likert and his team conducted an extensive study in 1950. We now, know them as the Michigan leadership studies. The aim of these leadership studies was to explore leadership styles. Additionally, they also found which styles lead to maximum productivity and employee satisfaction. Consequently, results indicated two broad types of leadership:
- Employee-oriented
- Production-oriented
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Michigan Leadership Studies
Like the Ohio studies, the Michigan study also tested the behavioral theory of leadership. Hence the results of the Michigan studies are similar to the Ohio leadership studies. Consideration is analogous to employee-oriented while initiating structure is similar to production-oriented leadership. This study also found a third style of leadership. We will discuss these three styles of leadership in this article.
Employee-oriented Leadership
Besides taking care of the task-related aspects of organizational life, such leaders also develop personal relationships with their subordinates. They take a personal interest in the needs of the employees. Just like considerate leaders, they value each employee for their individuality. Employees feel comfortable around such leaders. This is because the leader trusts the employees and foster a climate of mutual respect.
Production-oriented Leadership
This style of leadership focuses on technical and task aspects of the job. They do not invest much in building personal relationships with subordinates. Production-oriented leaders believe in numbers and strict hierarchy. This is because they feel that work comes first. Such leaders do not take an interest in the needs of the employees.
Employee-oriented vs Production-oriented
Although leadership style can be as per an individual, their implications may vary for the organization. A good leadership style can help the team motivated and perform their best.
Employee-oriented leaders are rated better than production-oriented leaders. This is because mutual respect creates a culture of satisfaction, productivity, creativity, and innovation. Therefore, leaders also need to focus on building relationships in the workplace.
Ohio vs Michigan studies
Some researchers and managers also believe that Ohio and the Michigan studies are the same and redundant. The similarity arises from the fact that both originate from the behavioral school of thought. What are your thoughts on this? You may share your thoughts in the comment section below this article and also read our other articles on leadership.
FAQs
The Michigan leadership studies were conducted by Rensis Likert in the year 1950.
Both Ohio and the Michigan studies aimed to test the behavioral theory of leadership and found similar results. The 2 types of leadership in Ohio study are consideration and initiating structure while the 2 types of leadership in Michigan studies are employee-oriented and production-oriented.
A leader who actively focuses on developing inter-personal relationships with their subordinates. They look after the needs and job satisfaction of the employees.
A leader who focuses more on the technical aspects of the job. They believe in numbers and do not focus on building relationships with their subordinates. Such leaders are work-oriented.