A Review of Situational Leadership Theory and Relevant Leadership Styles: Options for Educational Leaders in the21st Century

This study was motivated by the premise that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that any one style of leadership cannot be appropriate in all places. The purpose of this theoretical debate is to examine the wider context of situational leadership and its effectiveness towards improving school leadership and management. Analytical Literature review was undertaken and findings reveal that successful leaders change their leadership styles based on the maturity of the people they're leading, the task at hand and the context. This academic evaluation examined the situational leadership theory and relevant leadership styles that could be merged in to provide the best mix in educational leadership and administration. It begins with a concise overview of leadership theories and is followed by an examination of pertinent leadership styles in relation to the four basic components of situational leadership. This article concludes that success can be certain if situational leadership is successfully applied together other pertinent styles in educational leadership and administration. This study sets a solid platform for further research as quality leadership tradition offers great opportunity to further refine situational leadership in the best interest of scholars, teachers, principals and aspiring educational leaders globally.Keywords: Leadership, Directing, Coaching, Participating, Delegating, Theories, Styles, Methods, Administration.