How to Use the Basic Leadership Assessment (PM Theory)
This assessment is based on PM Theory, one of the most foundational frameworks in leadership studies. PM Theory was proposed by social psychologist Jyuji Misumi and analyzes leadership through two dimensions: group maintenance and task performance. It is simple and easy to understand, making it an ideal tool for those new to leadership analysis.
What is Group Maintenance (M)?
Group Maintenance, also known as the Maintenance function, refers to the ability to foster positive relationships within a team. Examples include the ability to encourage others, show empathy, engage in casual conversation, and check in with team members regularly.
What is Task Performance (P)?
Task Performance, also known as the Performance function, refers to the ability to bring out the strengths of team members and achieve goals. Examples include leading by example, managing workloads effectively, and ensuring that commitments and deadlines are met.
The assessment results include both an overall evaluation and individual breakdowns for each dimension. Strengths and suggestions for improvement are provided for each. We hope you find them useful.
How This Test Was Developed
This assessment was designed to help individuals objectively understand their leadership style and use that insight as a foundation for growth. It was developed by combining academic research with practical perspectives, following the process outlined below.
① Thorough Analysis of Prior Research
Leadership research encompasses a wide range of models and frameworks, including PM Theory, Situational Leadership (SL) Theory, Lewin's Leadership Styles, and Path-Goal Theory. Because effective leadership varies significantly depending on external conditions and the internal dynamics of an organization, attempting to capture everything within a single scale risks producing an unwieldy number of assessment items.
For this reason, the assessment is based on PM Theory, developed by Jyuji Misumi (1967). PM Theory conceptualizes leadership through two straightforward dimensions — the P (Performance) function and the M (Maintenance) function — making it intuitively accessible even for those with limited leadership experience.
The assessment results provide concrete strategies and suggestions for improvement in relation to each function. While PM Theory offers an excellent foundation for understanding leadership, the assessment is also designed to encourage deeper exploration by introducing other frameworks such as Situational Leadership Theory and Path-Goal Theory, allowing users to examine leadership from a broader range of perspectives.
② Question Selection and Development
Drawing on the analysis of prior research, a team of active business owners, certified psychologists, and graduates of psychology master's programs conducted intensive brainstorming sessions focused on two dimensions: Group Maintenance and Task Performance.
The ideas generated through brainstorming were carefully reviewed and categorized using the KJ method, allowing the team to narrow down the final question items. To ensure the assessment can be completed quickly and results understood with ease, ten items were selected for each dimension.
Group Maintenance
Q1 I can sense unspoken frustration among team members and address it proactively.
Q2 I keep casual conversation with team members to a minimum and focus on work. ※Reverse scored
Q3 The number of team members experiencing mental health difficulties is below the company average.
Q4 Even when an opinion seems unsophisticated, I listen attentively before responding.
Q5 I greet others with energy and positivity to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Q6 I sometimes come across as irritable or unfriendly when speaking to others. ※Reverse scored
Q7 I actively reach out to quieter team members to hear their perspectives.
Q8 The team atmosphere has been persistently low or negative. ※Reverse scored
Q9 I create one-on-one meeting opportunities at least twice a month.
Q10 I actively acknowledge my team members' efforts in words.
Task Performance
Q11 I assign roles in a way that plays to each team member's strengths.
Q12 The goals set by the team are almost always achieved.
Q13 I share mistakes openly and put systems in place to prevent recurrence.
Q14 I give direct feedback when needed, even when it is uncomfortable.
Q15 I understand each team member's career goals and reflect them in their work assignments.
Q16 I give team members the space and opportunity to think and solve problems on their own.
Q17 I can analyze the root causes of unmet targets in a structured way and explain them clearly.
Q18 There are times when I cannot accurately track the progress of my team members. ※Reverse scored
Q19 Deadlines are never disrupted due to my own management errors.
Q20 I sometimes avoid pointing out delays because I am concerned about how others will react. ※Reverse scored
③ Scoring Criteria
This assessment asks you to answer 10 questions for each of the two dimensions: Group Maintenance and Task Performance. Responses are scored using the following 5-point scale.
- 5-Point Scale
Strongly Disagree 0
Disagree 1
Neutral 2
Agree 3
Strongly Agree 4
Based on the total score for each dimension, leadership ability is evaluated across the following three levels.
High:35 or above
Moderate:28 to 34
Low:27 or below
④ 9 Leadership Types
By combining the scores for Group Maintenance and Task Performance, leadership style is classified into the following 9 types. Each type name was determined through group discussion.
High Maintenance / High Performance Ideal
High Maintenance / Moderate Performance Relations
High Maintenance / Low Performance Nurturer
Moderate Maintenance / High Performance Driver
Moderate Maintenance / Moderate Performance Balanced
Moderate Maintenance / Low Performance Passive
Low Maintenance / High Performance Achiever
Low Maintenance / Moderate Performance Logical
Low Maintenance / Low Performance Hands-off
⑤ Evaluation of Results
Each personality type is described in detail, covering key characteristics and points to be aware of, in approximately 1,000 characters. The content was developed based on prior research and the clinical experience of the authors, incorporating practical perspectives. We hope this helps you gain a deeper understanding of your own type and supports your ongoing development as a leader.
⑥ Limitations of This Scale
This assessment was not designed to verify factor structure or statistical reliability and validity. It reflects the professional judgment of specialists, and please note that it is not intended for use in academic research. This assessment is designed to be used as a self-reflection tool to help you better understand your own leadership style.
⑦ References
[1] Misumi, J. (1967). An empirical study on the effects of PM-type leadership conditions in organizations on morale, particularly achievement motivation. Japanese Journal of Educational and Social Psychology, 7(1).
[2] Shirakashi, S. (1966). A new concept for measuring leadership. Japanese Journal of Educational and Social Psychology, 5(2), 135–147.
[3] Murata, Y., & Sakata, K. (2019). Examination of the reliability and validity of a leadership scale for mid-level generalist nurses. Human Science Research, 14, 35–46.
[4] Imai, E. (2014). The effects of transformational leadership behavior on team vitality and commitment: An empirical study in a research and development department. Annual Report of Psychology, Rissho University, (5), 79–88.
[5] Takahara, R., & Yamashita, K. (2004). A study of situational leadership models in Japanese industrial settings using questionnaire methods. Japanese Journal of Interpersonal and Social Psychology, 4, 41–49.
[6] Misumi, J. (1984). The Science of Leadership Behavior. Yuhikaku.
About the Developers
Tatsushi Kawashima
Graduate School of Psychology, Mejiro University
National Licensed Psychologist (Japan)
Certified Psychiatric Social Worker (Japan)
Mikiko Kamei
Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University
National Licensed Psychologist (Japan)
Certified Clinical Psychologist (Japan)