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 / Leaders.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 15 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = 1 (Least Favorable), 2 = 2, 3 = 3, 4 = 4, 5 = 5, 6 = 6, 7 = 7, 8 = 8 (Most Favorable).
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 Split-half reliability: 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.