Which leadership model suggests that the optimal managerial style is contingent upon various factors such as circumstances and personal leadership style?

The correct answer is Fiedler's Contingency Model because this model posits that there is no single best way to lead; rather, the effectiveness of a leader's style depends on various contingent factors. These factors include the leader's personal style (task-oriented or relationship-oriented), the nature of the team, and the situational context in which they operate.

Fiedler's model emphasizes that leaders must assess their own leadership traits and the dynamics of the situation in which they find themselves in order to adapt their style appropriately. The model categorizes leadership situations based on the degree of control a leader has and suggests different approaches depending on these factors, making it a true contingency model in nature.

In contrast, other leadership theories mentioned do not focus primarily on the idea of adapting to specific circumstances and personal leadership styles as central to their concepts. Transformational Leadership Theory focuses on how leaders inspire and motivate followers to achieve extraordinary outcomes. The Situational Leadership Model does discuss adapting leadership styles, but it does so in a way that is more prescriptive rather than analyzing the combinations of leadership traits and situational variables. Lastly, Path-Goal Theory centers on how leaders can help their followers achieve goals by providing the necessary direction and support, but again,