Leadership effectiveness in program management

The paper reports the results of an exploratory field study designed to investigate the effectiveness of leadership styles in various project-oriented work environments. The study concludes that the effectiveness of project managers depends primarily on their leadership style and work environment. A leader-oriented management approach appears most effective in a poor work environment, while in a good organizational climate a team-oriented style seems to be most effective. The findings presented should help the professional project manager to understand the complex interrelationships among position power, leadership style, and organizational variables. Through this understanding he may be able to identify the leadership style which optimizes project performance in his specific work.