Leadership Theories

Part 1- Path Goal Theory

Path Goal Theory

Developed by House and Dressler (1974).

Based on Expectancy theory of motivation.

Views manager as coach or guide to workers to choose the best “path”.

Provides cognitive(intellectual) approach to understanding motivation.

What should leaders do?

(according to this theory)Engage in different types of leadership behavior depending on the nature and demand of a particular situation.

Ensure that follower’s goals are congruent with the organization goals.

Help employeees reach personal & organizational goals by pointing out paths they should follow and providing them means to do so.

What traits of followers can

affect the impact of leaders on

them?Authoratative

Systematic

Visionary

Persuasive Energetic

Calculative

Dutiful

Enterprising Inquistive

Innovative

Initiator

According to locus of control

Personal efforts

Decision making skills

Internals

Luck

Destiny

Externals

Facto

rs

affecting

results

4 Leadership styles

Directive

Supportive

Participative

Achievement-oriented

Directive Leadership

Task oriented behavior

Tells subordinates what they are expected to do, how and when.

Includes: developing systems, procedures, rules and regulations, et al.

Example????

Supportive Leadership

Shows genuine concern and support for subordinates.

Courteous and friendly interactions, enquires about the well-being, and needs, approachable, discusses.

Relation-oriented behavior

Participative Leadership

Creates environment of trust, engages subordinates in consultations, and encourages their participation in decision-making.

Shares work problem with team and takes suggestions

Evaluates the suggestions and accept/reject, taking followers in confidence.

Example???

Achievement-Oriented Leadership

Exhibits both demanding and supporting interactions

sets challenging goals for subordinates

Involves them to improve performance

Drives them to improve performances.

Interesting Combinations

Locus of control Leadership style

Internal Participative

External Directive

Application based on situation

Newly formed team

Directive (what and how to do

it)

Reduced role

ambiguity

Higher Effort &

Satisfaction

Substandard Performance(no

rewards for performance)

Directive (makes reward available and contingent

on performance)

Clearer performance-to-

reward links(increased

valence)

Higher Effort & Satisfaction

Question: How do you think you can

use this theory when you are leading

a team?Thank You!!