For years, numbers of leading researchers and practitioners have advocated the so-called "differentiated" style of leadership -- a style in which managers treat staff members differently based on their skills, personalities and other factors.
Others have raised doubts about this management style, questioning its effectiveness and wondering if it could ultimately prove divisive.
A new study from W. P. Carey examined the relationship between two types of leadership behaviour and team effectiveness.
The study concluded that in this regard at least, team-focused leadership (in which teams are treated as units, rather than a group of individuals) is significantly more effective than the differentiated style in the realm of team management. Surprisingly, the study also showed that differentiated leadership had negative impacts on group dynamics and, by extension, organisations as a whole.
For more, see: http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1783