Tannenbaum and Schmidt Continuum of Leadership

Tannenbaum and Schmidt devised their continuum that illustrates a range of potential leadership and management styles.

The Tannenbaum and Schmidt Continuum recognises that the chosen leadership style depends on a variety of factors, including the leader's personality, the perceived qualities of subordinates.

It also allows for "situational" factors such as the need for urgency in leadership and decision-making.

The continuum represents a range of action related to the:

– Degree of authority used by the leader or manager

– Area of freedom available to non-managers