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Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model

Self-Assess
International
vSLII (2013)
3 domains
11 controls

Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory proposing that leaders must adapt their style to the maturity (readiness) level of followers. Originally developed in 1969 as the Life Cycle Theory of Leadership, updated through multiple editions. Blanchard's SLII version (2013) uses 'development level' instead of 'maturity.'

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Framework Domains (3)

Development Levels

4 controls

Four development levels of followers based on their competence and commitment for a specific task.

Controls in the Development Levels domain of Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model — 4 controls
CodeTitle
SLII-D1D1 Enthusiastic Beginner — low competence, high commitment. Needs directing style (S1)
SLII-D2D2 Disillusioned Learner — some competence, low commitment. Needs coaching style (S2)
SLII-D3D3 Capable but Cautious — moderate to high competence, variable commitment. Needs supporting style (S3)
SLII-D4D4 Self-Reliant Achiever — high competence, high commitment. Needs delegating style (S4)

Diagnostic Skills

3 controls

The three skills of a situational leader: diagnosis, flexibility, and partnering for performance.

Controls in the Diagnostic Skills domain of Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model — 3 controls
CodeTitle
SLII-DIAGDiagnosis — assessing follower development level for a specific task or goal
SLII-FLEXFlexibility — ability to use all four leadership styles comfortably
SLII-PARTPartnering for Performance — reaching agreement on leadership style needed for each situation

Leadership Styles

4 controls

Four leadership styles defined by combinations of directive (task) and supportive (relationship) behavior. The effective leader matches style to follower readiness.

Controls in the Leadership Styles domain of Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model — 4 controls
CodeTitle
SLII-S1Directing (S1) — high directive, low supportive. Telling people what, when, where, and how to do tasks
SLII-S2Coaching (S2) — high directive, high supportive. Explaining decisions, providing opportunity for clarification
SLII-S3Supporting (S3) — low directive, high supportive. Sharing decision-making, facilitating and encouraging
SLII-S4Delegating (S4) — low directive, low supportive. Turning over responsibility for decisions and implementation

Maps to 22 other frameworks

11 total controls
The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner)
4 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
36%
ISO 37000:2021
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
36%
Full Range Leadership Model (Bass & Avolio)
4 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
36%
NHS Healthcare Leadership Model
4 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
36%
Heifetz Adaptive Leadership Framework
4 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
36%
Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework
4 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
36%
ICN Leadership for Change Programme
4 source controls mapped|6 target controls covered
36%
LEADS in a Caring Environment
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
27%
WHO Global Competency Model
3 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
27%
Maslach Burnout Prevention Model
3 source controls mapped|5 target controls covered
27%
Senge Fifth Discipline — Learning Organization
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
27%
Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
18%
OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
18%
COSO Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
18%
Kotter 8-Step Change Model
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
18%
Argyris Double-Loop Learning
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
18%
ILO Nursing Personnel Convention C149 (1977)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
18%
VUCA Leadership Framework
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
18%
SSAE 18 SOC 1 — Report on Controls at a Service Organisation (ICFR)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
9%
ASEAN Data Management Framework
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
9%
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs)
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
9%
US OFAC Sanctions Compliance Framework
1 source controls mapped|1 target controls covered
9%
Compare Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model with The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model?

Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model is a compliance framework from International with 3 domains and 11 controls. Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory proposing that leaders must adapt their style to the maturity (readiness) level of followers. Originally developed in 1969 as the Life Cycle Theory of Leadership, updated through multiple editions. Blanchard's SLII version (2013) uses 'development level' instead of 'maturity.' It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

How many controls does Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model have?

Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model has 11 controls organised across 3 domains. The largest domains are Development Levels (4 controls), Leadership Styles (4 controls), Diagnostic Skills (3 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

What frameworks does Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model map to?

Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model maps to 22 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner) (36% coverage), ISO 37000:2021 (36% coverage), Full Range Leadership Model (Bass & Avolio) (36% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.

How do I get started with Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model compliance?

Start your Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 11 controls and track your progress.

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