What is the Reddin 3D or Tri-Dimensional Grid?

The Three-Dimensional Grid or 3-D Leadership Model was developed by Professor Bill Reddin as an extension of the managerial grid. 

The 3D Grid introduces another dimension, Effectiveness. 

Effectiveness concerns the effect when a leader employs a style in a particular situation or context. As such, this model takes into consideration the situational demands for the leader to be most effective. 

The grid contains 3 dimensions: 

• task-orientation, 
• relationship orientation, and 
• effectiveness. 

When is a Leadership Style Effective?

A leadership style is considered to be effective when it meets the demands of the situation. The identified managerial styles include:

• Related – This is characterized by High – Relationship Orientation, Low – Task Orientation. The leader sees the organization as a social system. Personal interaction and the environment is more important than focusing on tasks or trying to make subordinates more productive through corrective actions.
• Integrated – This is characterized by High – Relationship Orientation; High -Task Orientation. This is generally an effective, involved manager. There is high social interaction with subordinates as well as concerted efforts to improve productivity through teamwork and strong communications.
• Separated – This is characterized by Low – Relationship Orientation; Low -Task Orientation. The leader provides policies and procedures and does little to monitor subordinate activity.
• Dedicated – This is characterized by Low – Relationship Orientation; High -Task Orientation. The leader lays down directives and closely monitors the activities and production of employees. The leaders authority is based upon formal power. There is a lack of social interaction.