In Fiedler's contingency model, what does a high LPC score indicate?

• A. Task orientation
• B. Human relations orientation
• C. Situational orientation
• D. No clear orientation

Answer: (B)

A high score on the LPC scale signals a people-oriented, or human-relations, leadership style. In this measure, leaders describe their least preferred coworker in positive, warm terms; this means they focus more on relationships and harmony with people than on pushing tasks. This orientation contrasts with a low score, which indicates a task-focused approach. The key idea is that the LPC score reveals where the leader’s natural emphasis lies—on people and interpersonal dynamics rather than on the work itself.