Which of the following leadership styles focuses on clearly defined tasks and roles?

The leadership style that focuses on clearly defined tasks and roles is directive leadership. This approach emphasizes providing specific instructions and guidelines on how tasks should be accomplished. Directive leaders typically outline expectations, assign responsibilities, and closely monitor progress to ensure that goals are met effectively. This style is particularly effective in situations where tasks are complex or require strict adherence to procedures, as it helps to clarify roles and minimize ambiguity.

In contrast, participative leadership encourages input and collaboration among team members, transformational leadership aims to inspire and motivate followers to achieve their fullest potential, and delegative leadership involves transferring decision-making authority to team members, which can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. Thus, directive leadership stands out for its focus on structure and defined tasks.