Both the Ohio State University and University of Michigan conducted in-depth studies of leader behavior. These two projects had a lot in common. They both examined how the leadership style could affect worker productivity and satisfaction. One of the key differences between these two studies is their method for collecting data. While the Ohio State team used questionnaires to secure information from participants, the University of Michigan used a combination of surveys and observations in order to gain insight into workers’ reactions to their supervisors’ behaviors. The groups also had different ways of interpreting the results. For example, while Ohio State relied heavily upon correlation analysis, Michigan incorporated factor analyses into its evaluation process.
Ultimately, though both studies delved into how leaders can shape an organization’s success or failure, they provided different yet valuable perspectives on leadership effectiveness due to their various methodologies and approaches. Combining these insights and other research findings about leader behavior can help us better understand what makes a successful management practice suitable for many organizations.