What is the Hersey-Blanchard model?
James Williams
Updated on February 21, 2026
The Hersey-Blanchard Model suggests no single leadership style is better than another. It is an adaptive, flexible style, whereby leaders are encouraged to consider their followers—individuals or a team—then consider the factors that impact the work environment before choosing how they will lead.
What are the Hersey and Blanchard identified four stages of follower readiness?
Follower readiness can broadly be divided into four levels R1: unable and insecure; or unable and unwilling, R2: unable and confident; or unable and willing, R3: able and insecure; or able and unwilling, and R4: able and confident; or able and willing.
What are the four leadership styles identified by Hersey and Blanchard?
This article will go into the four leadership styles (Telling, Selling, Participating and Delegating) Hersey and Blanchard came up with in order to better deal with these different stages of followers.
What is the subordinate readiness theory according to Hersey and Blanchard?
The theory, developed by Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard, is based on the ‘readiness’ level of the people the leader is attempting to influence. Readiness is the extent to which followers have the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task. Therefore, the decisions are leader directed.
What are the four stages of subordinate readiness?
Phil, there are four stages of readiness when it comes to change.
- Stage 1: Compelled by authority to change.
- Stage 2: Comply to escape criticism.
- Stage 3: Intellectually aware of the need for change.
- Stage 4: Mentally and emotionally self-motivated by change.
What is the importance of follower readiness?
The Readiness Factors of Followers Understanding the readiness of followers is a key element of leadership. or mission. The effective leader’s job is to help followers or team members gain the knowledge and skills they need to perform at the highest level they can.
What are the 4 types of leaders?
4 Different Types of Leadership Styles
- Autocratic or Authoritarian leadership. An autocratic leader centralizes power and decision-making in himself.
- Democratic or Participative leadership. Participative or democratic leaders decentralise authority.
- The Laissez-faire or Free-rein leadership.
- Paternalistic leadership.
What does readiness encompasses according to Hersey and Blanchard?
D According to Hersey and Blanchard, readiness encompasses the _____. a. degree of confidence, trust, and respect members have in their leader b. amount of influence a leader has over variables such as hiring, firing, and salaries c. level of morale and satisfaction of the employees
What does R1 mean in the Hersey Blanchard model?
R1 – low follower readiness – refers to low ability and low willingness of followers i.e. those who are unable and insecure. R2 – low to moderate follower readiness – refers to low ability and high willingness of followers i.e. those who are unable but confident.
What do you need to know about readiness?
According to Hersey and Blanchard, readiness encompasses the _____. a. degree of confidence, trust, and respect members have in their leader b. amount of influence a leader has over variables such as hiring, firing, and salaries c. level of morale and satisfaction of the employees d. ability and willingness of the followers to accomplish a task
What kind of leadership style does Hersey and Blanchard use?
The S1 leadership style in the Hersey and Blanchard Situational Leadership Model puts a high emphasis on directive behaviour and a low emphasis on supportive behaviour. A leader’s primary concern lays with the task delivery and less with the personal needs of the subordinates.