*PATH GOAL THEORY (HOUSE & MITCHELL)*

Question 1

Path Goal Leadership Theory (House & Mitchell, 1974)

General definition

Answer 1

Leaders can improve followers motivation by two principle ways:

1. Intrinsic Motivation:

• Define the path, remove obstacles, make the path to goal clear

2. Extrinsic Motivation

• Increase payoff, salary

Leader should:

1. define goals
2. clarify path to the goal
3. remove obstacles
4. provide support

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

Path Goal Theory (House & Mitchell)

3 Follower/Subordinate 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 of control:

a) Internal:

• I have control over my task
• use Participative Leadership

b) External:

• Outside people influence circumstances
• use Directive Leadership

Question 7

Path Goal Theory (House & Mitchell)

3 Task Characteristics

Answer 7

1. (Follower’s) task structure:

a) Boring/repetitive -> use Supportive Leadership
b) Ambiguous -> use Participative/Achievement-oriented Leadership

2. Primary work group

3. (Weak) Formal authority system:

• making rules
• regulations
• make environment 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

Question 9

Path Goal Theory (House & Mitchell)

4 Styles to choose from

Answer 9

1. Directive Leadership

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

2. Supportive Leadership

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

3. Participative Leadership

• Ask subordinates about ideas -> find something out about commitment - Invite followers in decision making -> integrate their input
• Share information
• Make followers thrive in the task -> empowerment

4. Achievement-oriented Leadership

• 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 10

Difference between Path Goal Theory and Situational Leadership

Answer 10

Path Goal Theory:

• adapt your leadership style based on the motivational needs of your team

Situational Leadership:

• adapt your leadership style based on the developmental needs of your team