How to Determine Least Preferred Coworker (LPC) Score

What does a low least preferred coworker score indicate?

a. Positive perception of the coworker

b. Negative perception of the coworker

c. Neutral feeling towards the coworker

d. No least preferred coworker score

Answer:

Nancy argues with Janet over every work project and generally does not want to be assigned to work with her. Yet, Nancy thinks Janet is a very nice person and enjoys her company at social outings because (A) Nancy would have a low least preferred coworker score.

Nancy's behavior indicates that she has a low least preferred coworker (LPC) score. The concept of the Least Preferred Coworker (LPC) scale is a key component of Fiedler's Contingency Theory of Leadership. It measures a person's leadership orientation based on how they perceive their least preferred coworker.

In Nancy's case, even though she argues with Janet over work projects and does not want to be assigned to work with her, she still thinks Janet is a nice person and enjoys her company at social outings. This suggests that Nancy does not hold strongly negative feelings towards Janet. Her ability to find enjoyment in social interactions with Janet despite their differences indicates a relatively positive perception of her least preferred coworker.

Therefore, Nancy would have a low LPC score, reflecting her ability to find some positive aspects in Janet's personality despite their disagreements in a work context. If Nancy had a high LPC score, it would mean that she had a strongly negative perception of her least preferred coworker and would struggle to find any positive aspects, even outside of the work environment.

In summary, option A is the correct answer because Nancy's ability to find Janet a nice person and enjoy her company despite their work disagreements indicates a low least preferred coworker score, aligning with the principles of the LPC scale.