Path Goal Theory

Path Goal Theory

1
Path Goal Theory
Table of Contents
Brief Introduction.......................................................................................................................2
Path-Goal Theory.......................................................................................................................2
Leaders Behaviour.....................................................................................................................2
Contingencies.............................................................................................................................3
Pros:............................................................................................................................................4
Cons:..........................................................................................................................................5
Application:................................................................................................................................5
Approach of "Steve" was not effective while guiding his followers.........................................6
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................9

2
Path Goal Theory
Brief Introduction
The Path-Goal theory states in order to achieve the goals of an organisation the leader’s skill
and style must be in line with the employees and the work environment. The model of this
theory was evolved from the principle of motivation. A leader skill and behaviour can widely
influence the efforts and performance of his employees. Leader task involves smoothing the
process of an employee by resolving the issues that arise in the organisation in order to
achieve personal and enterprise goals. This report discusses how a leader guides the
employees and the co-workers by providing the support, motivation and information required
by them to overcome an obstacle or to attain the goal. It also discusses the leadership theory
with an example of “Steve Jobs”. Every leader has their own style to lead or guide the
employees. However, a leader can use more than one style to overcome a situation (Clark,
2013).
Path-Goal Theory
Path-Goal Theory describes the skills or behaviour that motivates the employee to
accomplish their goals. The motivation of leaders helps the employees to overcome the
obstacle and accomplish the goals. In this theory, leaders assist their subordinates in (a)
defining the goals, (b) laying the structural path, (c) overcoming the obstacle and (d)
providing support throughout (Northouse, 2016).
Leaders Behaviour
The Path-Goal Theory describes the effectiveness of leadership behaviours. Although there is
no definitive behaviour to lead or motivate the employees, but some of the major approach
covered in this theory are mentioned below (iedunote.com, 2017).:

3
Path Goal Theory
Directive: In this method, the leader directs by setting the goals, performance standard that is
expected to be fulfilled by employees. In case the standards are not met, leaders use various
control measure to discipline the employees (ChangingMinds, 2019).
Supportive: In this, leader assists the subordinates to achieve the organisational as well as
their personal goal. Leaders are concerned about the well-fare and well-being of their
employees.
Participative: This style of leaders believes in the participation of employees in the decision-
making process. They also share information along with their co-workers. In order to resolve
an issue or to achieve the goal, they believe in the active participation of the employees
(Mulder, 2018).
Achievement-oriented: In this particular method of leadership, leader set the bars or goals for
their subordinates to accomplish. They believe and encourage their employees in completing
the set goals (Juneja, 2019).
Contingencies
A contingency factor can be defined as a variable that affects or influence the equation
between the other two variables such as satisfaction in the subordinates and the leader’s
conduct. Contingency factors among the leaders and subordinates can be seen in two types of
situational variables. The two variables of contingency that are most commonly observed are:
Employee Contingencies:
This contingency arises majorly due to the personal characteristics of an employee. Some of
the reason resulting in this type of situation are the skill required to achieve a certain task,