What leadership theory is illustrated when a project leader asks team members for feedback during a meeting?

The scenario described illustrates the principle of style theory in leadership, which emphasizes the behavior of the leader and how it influences team dynamics and effectiveness. Style theory suggests that a leader's approach—whether it is autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire—plays a crucial role in shaping the team's performance and satisfaction. When the project leader solicits feedback from team members during a meeting, it reflects a democratic or participative leadership style, where the leader values input and fosters collaboration. This approach can lead to increased engagement, morale, and innovative ideas, as team members feel their voices are heard and valued.

While other leadership theories address various aspects of leadership, they do not specifically emphasize the behavior of the leader in engaging the team for feedback in the same way. Transactional theory focuses on exchanges between leaders and followers, emphasizing goals and rewards, while transformational theory is centered on inspiring and motivating followers to exceed their own interests for the sake of the organization. Situational leadership theory, on the other hand, prioritizes adapting leadership style to the team's maturity and the demands of specific situations. None of these theories specifically highlight the act of seeking feedback as indicative of a leader's style, making style theory the most appropriate choice in this context.