People-Oriented Behaviors

People-oriented competencies are so central to leadership that sometimes they are considered essentially synonymous with it (e.g., Mintzberg 1973). The Ohio State studies define “people-oriented” behavior or “consideration,” a behavioral competency cluster that evolved in the 1950s, as supportiveness, friendliness, concern, and inclusiveness (Hemphill and Coons 1957). The University of Michigan study also emphasizes “relations-oriented” behavior, which includes helpfulness, trust, thoughtfulness, delegation, and recognition.