Situational leadership adapts to which of the following?

Situational leadership is a theory developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, which emphasizes the importance of a leader adapting their leadership style based on the maturity level of their followers. This maturity refers not only to the skill level and experience of the followers but also to their confidence and willingness to perform a particular task.

By assessing the readiness of the team members, leaders can apply different leadership styles—ranging from directing to coaching, supporting, or delegating—tailored to the team's needs at that moment. This adaptability allows leaders to be more effective, as their approach can enhance motivation, development, and overall team performance.

The other choices focus on aspects that are less about follower dynamics. Changing organizational policies and external market conditions may require leaders to adjust their strategies, but they do not directly influence the interaction between the leader and their followers in the way that understanding follower maturity does. The leader's experience level may shape their approach, but it is primarily the needs and capabilities of the followers that dictate the most effective leadership style in situational leadership.