Theory of Path Goal Leadership Essay

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Path Goal Theory

THEORY AND PRACITCE: PATH GOAL THEORY

DEFINITION OF PATH GOAL THEORY

Path Goal theory is reported to be about "how leaders motivate subordinates to accomplish designated goals." (Northhouse, 2010, p.125) Path Goal theory is reported to have first been written early in the decade of the 1970s "in the work of Evans (1970), House (1971), House and Deasler (1974) and House and Mitchell (1974)." (Northhouse, 2010, p. 125) The goal of this theory of leadership is reported to enhance of performance and satisfaction of employees through a focus on motivation of employees. (Northhouse, 2010, paraphrased) Reported as the basis for Path Goal theory is that which is gained from "expectancy theory, which suggests that subordinates will be motivated if they think they are capable of performing their work, if they believe their efforts will result in a certain outcome, and if they believe that the payoffs for doing their work are worthwhile." (Northhouse, 2010, p. 125) The leader must choose the style of leadership that is the best match for the needs of the subordinates in order to motivate them and this is accomplished by the choice of behaviors "that complement or supplement what is missing in the work setting." (Northhouse, 2010, p. 125)

II. FOUR STYLES IN PATH GOAL THEORY

There are four styles of leadership in Path Goal theory including: (1) Directive leadership (2) supportive leadership; (3) participative leadership; and (4) achievement oriented leadership.

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(Northhouse, 2010, p. 131) Directive leadership is such that provides "guidance and psychological structure." (Northhouse, 2010, p. 131) The subordinate characteristics with directive leadership are: (1) dogmatic; and (2) authoritarian and the task characteristics are: (1) ambiguous; (2) unclear rules; and (3) complex. (Northhouse, 2010, p. 131) The supportive leadership behavior is such that makes provision of nurturance to subordinates and subordinates characteristics are: (1) unsatisfied; (2) a need for affiliation; and (3) a need for the human touch. (Northhouse, 2010, p.131) The task characteristics under the supportive leadership are: (1) repetitive; (2) unchallenging; and (3) mundane. (Northhouse, 2010, p. 131) The participative styles of leadership are such that makes provision of involvement and the subordinate characteristics are: (1) autonomy; (2) need for control; and (3) need for clarity. (Northhouse, 2010, p. 131) The task characteristics under the participative leadership style are: (1) ambiguous; (2) unclear; and (3) unstructured. (Northhouse, 2010, p. 131) Finally, the achievement oriented style of leadership is such that makes provision of challenges. (Northhouse, 2010, paraphrased) The characteristics of subordinates under the achievement oriented leader are: (1) high expectations; and (2) the need to excel. (Northhouse, 2010, p. 131) The task characteristics under the achievement oriented leader are: (1) ambiguous; (2) challenging; and (3) complex. (Northhouse, 2010, p. 131)

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