PATH GOAL THEORY (HOUSE & MITCHELL)

Question 1

Generell

Answer 1

Leader should use specific leadership styles for given task situations and subordinates’ characteristics to satisfy unmet needs -> motivate followers to accomplish goals

Leader should

• define goals
• clarify path to the goal
• remove obstacles
• provide support

4 Styles to choose from

1. Directive Leadership
2. Supportive Leadership
3. Participative Leadership
4. Achievement-oriented Leadership

Question 2

1. Directive Leadership

Answer 2

• Set clear standards for performance
• Clarify how tasks can be fulfilled -> intrinsic motivation
• Make regulations clear to subordinates -> initiating structure
• Set timelines for task-completion (time-bound nature)

Question 3

2. Supportive Leadership

Answer 3

• Encourage subordinates -> be friendly, approachable, diplomatic behavior
• Make work environment pleasant
• Treat subordinates as equal -> respect their status (no bias!)
• Attend to well-being

Question 4

3. Participative Leadership

Answer 4

• Ask subordinates about ideas (consulting) -> find out sth. about commitment
• Invite subordinates in decision making -> integrate their input
• Share information
• Make subordinates thrive in the task -> empowerment

Question 5

4. Achievement-oriented Leadership

Answer 5

• Challenge followers to perform at best level
• Establish a high standard of excellence -> best practice
• Seek continuous improvement
• High degree of confidence in ability of followers to accomplish goals

Question 6

3 Follower Characteristics

Answer 6

1. Need for affiliation: Need to belong to the group -> use Supportive Leadership
2. Preference for structure: Certainty of work environment -> use Directive Leadership
3. Locus (Ort) of control:

a) Internal: I have control over my task -> use Participative Leadership
b) External: Outside people influence circumstances -> use Directive Leadership

Question 7

3 Task Characteristics

Answer 7

1. Follower’s task:
   a) if unclear and ambiguous -> provide structure -> use Directive Leadership
   b) if highly repetetive -> support to create motivatione use Supportive Leadership
2. Primary work group: if weak work group and no team spirit -> build up cohesion
3. Formal authority system: if weak -> make rules and work requirements clear

Question 8

Strengths & Weaknesses of the Path Goal Theory

Answer 8

Pros

• Framework to understand followers needs and performance
• Practical view: Shows when and how to remove obstacles to clarify the path

Cons

• Interpretation can be confusing
• Fails to adequately explain influence of leadership behavior to motivation
• Treats leadership as a one-way event