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The Fiedler contingency model proposes that effective group performance depends on the proper match between the leader’s style and the degree to which the situation gives control to the leader. Fiedler identified three contingency dimensions that define the situational favorableness: Leader-member relations, Task structure, andPosition power.

Image of Fiedler's Contingency Model

Position power is specifically defined as the degree of influence a leader has over power variables such as hiring, firing, discipline, promotions, and salary increases. A leader with high position power has significant structural authority, which makes it easier to influence the behavior of subordinates through formal rewards and sanctions. In contrast, a leader with low position power must rely more heavily on personal influence or rapport to achieve goals. Understanding these dimensions is crucial because Fiedler argued that a leader's style is essentially fixed; therefore, to improve effectiveness, one must either change the leader to fit the situation or change the situation (such as increasing or decreasing the leader's position power) to fit the leader.

The interaction between cohesiveness and performance norms is a critical concept in Organizational Behavior. As shown in the research regarding group dynamics,the productivity of the team will improve significantlywhen both cohesiveness and performance norms are high. Cohesiveness provides the social "glue" that keeps the team together, while performance norms provide the "direction" by establishing clear expectations for effort, output, and quality.

When these two factors coincide, the group becomes a powerful force; members motivate one another to meet the high standards they have collectively accepted. This is the "ideal" state for any work team. If cohesiveness is high but performance norms are low, the group is unified but unproductive. If cohesiveness is low but norms are high, productivity improves only slightly because members lack the social bond to sustain high-level collaboration. Therefore, the combination of a strong bond and high standards yields the most significant productivity gains.