Scale Overview
The Least Preferred Coworker Scale – LPC was developed by Fred E. Fiedler (1967). It is designed to measure Leadership Style. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 15 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = 1, 2 = 2, 3 = 3, 4 = 4, 5 = 5, 6 = 6, 7 = 7, 8 = 8.
The scale includes 8 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 15 to 120. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low LPC (Task-oriented leadership style): 15 – 63
- Middle LPC (Socio-independent leadership style): 64 – 72
- High LPC (Relationship-oriented leadership style): 73 – 120
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.86 – 0.92.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.