This question is missing the options. I've found the complete question online. It is as follows:
Alan used to follow a libertarian leadership style. He recently decided to become stricter toward productivity targets as a result of the fluctuations in the market. He does this in order to make his team more task oriented. This is an example of _____.
a. leaders using debasement techniques
b. situations shaping how leaders behave
c. leaders using techniques of ingratiation
d. dividing the group into in-group and out-group
Answer:
The correct answer is letter b. situations shaping how leaders behave.
Explanation:
The situation described in the question is an example of how situations can affect leaders' behaviors. According to contingency theorists, even though our personal characteristics are strong, the forces in a situation are three times as strong, therefore shaping a leader's behavior. As we can see, Alan is more of a libertarian leader, but his approach had to change due to fluctuations in the market.