What does the least preferred coworker (LPC) scale help to identify?

The least preferred coworker (LPC) scale is a tool developed by Fred Fiedler to determine an individual's leadership style based on their feelings towards their least favored coworker. By having leaders rate the coworker they find least enjoyable to work with, the LPC scale helps to identify whether the leader has a task-oriented or relationship-oriented style.

A high LPC score indicates that the individual values relationships and teamwork, suggesting a relationship-oriented style, where the leader is more inclined to prioritize team dynamics and interpersonal connections. Conversely, a low LPC score reflects a preference for task completion and efficiency, indicating a task-oriented style. This scale is foundational in Fiedler's Contingency Theory of leadership, which posits that the effectiveness of a leader's style is contingent upon the situational context. Thus, the LPC score is instrumental in discerning how a leader's style can impact the functioning and success of a group.