Comparative Analysis: Path-Goal Theory and Situational Leadership

This essay provides a detailed analysis of the Path-Goal Theory of leadership, comparing it with the situational approach and evaluating its strengths and limitations. It explores how leaders can motivate and support followers to achieve organizational goals, particularly within the context of public health. The essay discusses the concepts of narcissism and Machiavellianism in leadership, examining their potential impact on organizational outcomes. Furthermore, it includes a response to a colleague's post, offering constructive feedback and highlighting the practical benefits of the Path-Goal Theory. The author expresses a preference for Path-Goal Theory based on its focus on enhancing motivation, empowering team members, and guiding them toward success.

Running head: PATH-GOAL THEORY
PATH-GOAL THEORY
Name of Student:
Name of University:
Author’s Note:

1PATH-GOAL THEORY
Evaluation of Path-Goal Theory
The main aim of the paper is to analsye the path goal theory of leadership and relate it with the
situational approach. Path goal theory of leadership was initiated with the objective to describe
the process by which leaders encourage and support the followers and increase their
empowerment and satisfaction that will make them active member of any association (Yang &
Lim, 2016). The theory highlighted in the study to create awareness by motivating the members,
it has not discussed the hypothesized relationship between the leader behavior and satisfaction of
the followers. Path goal pathways apart from shortcoming, it was evaluated that it can it has been
hindered by many flawed methods and due to inadequate testing of the theory it is assume that
the theory need extensive research and examination.
Difference in path-goal theory and situational approach
Point of
difference/comparison
Path goal theory Situational approach
Theme The major theme of Path goal
theory is that, the successful
leaders are the one who
increase the motivation and
encourage the members by
monitoring out and clarifying
the paths for their effective
performance (Peck, 2017).
The basic theme relies on
adaption of style of
leadership based on the
demand of situation.
Leadership style Directive and motivated to It is based on the relationship

2PATH-GOAL THEORY
achievement between the task and
behavior of leaders
Concept Based on the two proposition
of theory 1. Leader behavior
which can be noted by the
individual level of
satisfaction.
2. Behavior of motivation
improves the performance of
members.
The approach use four
quadrant, each specifying
respective style 1. Directing
2. Coaching. 3. Supporting 4.
Delegating
Flexibility of the model Does not allow flexibility in
the leaders to adopt different
style (Zigarmi & Roberts
2017).
It allows the leader to go
different style and be
receptive to their staffs
Strength and limitation of the path-goal theory
Strength Limitation
Provide framework where leader motivate
performance of individual
The theory appeared to be simple however,
does not examined the elementary
motivational assumption of it.

3PATH-GOAL THEORY
The theory is linked with vroom expectancy
theory
Theory is complex
Help individual to achieving goal by mean of
coaching and pathway towards it.
Not true relation between the assumption and
theory (Carroll, 2017).
Strength and limitation of the situational approach
Strength Limitation
Leader are able to measure the level of work
by their staff members.
No published research
The quadrant with different style has enable
the leader to inspire the based on the behavior
and style.
Lack publication of standard score
Able to adapt leader with the requirement of
staffs need (Lee & Dalal, 2016).
Does not explain how it influence leader.
On analyzing the strength and benefit of the path goal theory it can be said that the theory
is the appropriate way to address the public health leadership to meet the set goal and target. It is
the valid theory of leadership because it work on the common objective of the organization and
enable the worker to work with their full potential by motivating them. They direct the pathway
of the member towards success and hence cause desired outcome.

4PATH-GOAL THEORY
Concepts of Narcissism and Machiavellianism to public health leadership
Narcissists are the one who works in their own interest and pursue leadership by putting
the requirement of other at risk. Narcissism have both dark and bright side. The dark side of it is
related with the entitlement which is linked with various counterproductive work performance
which has led faltering of the organization. The bright side is connected with charisma which for
better outcome of the level of organization. The dark personality of the Machiavellianism often
lack amicability in social interaction and concern for other people. However, narcissists actively
follow the public health leadership position and are chosen by the other member, but then also
they put the interest of other at risk and display self-serving and Machiavellian act (Owens,
Wallace & Waldman, 2015). Narcissism is also regarded as holistic concept where narcissistic
leader has been viewed as charismatic as they are fervent, daring, willing to take risk and are
bold enough to get up the any goal and objective which is beneficial for public health. However,
there goal lack in cooperative appeal and deliberation for greater good.
Part 2
Response
On the post of the colleague, he has clearly explained about the path goal theory and
highlighted the terms and history. The different style of the theory is also explained with clear
details about the strength and weakness of the theory. He has given relevant details about the
path goal theory in connection with its practical benefits. However, he has not explained the
theory in association with the leadership style and how it motivate the employee towards
success. More concise idea is required to build a strong. It can be said the analysis of the work
has been done nicely, however more comprehensive examination is required in the task. The file

5PATH-GOAL THEORY
is lacking a clear evidence and supporting material to justify the statement put forward. However
the statement are clearly stated and idea has been well demonstrated.
I prefer path goal theory for the leader I have worked with. The major reason choosing
this theory is that the leader aims to enhance the motivation of the group member, to empower
them and increase the level of satisfaction. Through such action of the leader, the member of the
team has become productive and worked with great zeal. The leader of the team selected
particular behavior and attitude that suites with the needs and demands of the members and the
working atmosphere. It has guided the member in the right path towards the success. For the
above mentioned reason I have preferred path goal theory in leader I have worked with.
Reference
Carroll, B. J. (2017). Participatory action research: Identifying perceptions of leadership style
and the use of path-goal leadership theory among child protection services social
workers (Doctoral dissertation, Capella University).
Lee, S., & Dalal, R. S. (2016). Climate as situational strength: Safety climate strength as a cross-
level moderator of the relationship between conscientiousness and safety
behaviour. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 25(1), 120-132.
Owens, B. P., Wallace, A. S., & Waldman, D. A. (2015). Leader narcissism and follower
outcomes: The counterbalancing effect of leader humility. Journal of Applied
Psychology, 100(4), 1203.

6PATH-GOAL THEORY
Peck, E. (2017). The evolution of leadership theory. In Organisational Development in
Healthcare (pp. 59-76). CRC Press.
Yang, L. C., & Lim, V. (2016). Empirical investigation into the path-goal leadership theory in
the central bank fraternity: leadership styles and job satisfaction (No. wp14).
Zigarmi, D., & Roberts, T. P. (2017). A test of three basic assumptions of Situational
Leadership® II Model and their implications for HRD practitioners. European Journal of
Training and Development, 41(3), 241-260.