The path-goal theory involves how leaders motivate the subordinates to accomplish the designed goals. The main goal of this theory is to motivate the employees to make them perform better and be satisfied with their work, particularly by ensuring that the goals set for the employees are reachable (Northouse, 2013. If the employees expect to perform their work and they believe that their efforts will give a positive outcome and that they will get a worthwhile payoff, they will be greatly motivated.

The path-goal theory identifies four leadership styles, which include; directive, supportive, and participative and achievement oriented leadership behaviors. Like the telling style in situational leadership, directive leadership involves instructing the subordinates about their tasks and setting of clear standards of performance and makes the rules and regulations clear to subordinates (Northouse, 2013. The supportive style, like the consideration behavior, construct that was identified by the Ohio State studies, involves friendliness and being approachable to the subordinate by the leader and taking care of their needs and well- being. Supportive leaders make work pleasant, are fair and respect the status of the employees.

Thirdly, a participative leader involves the employees in the decision making process through consultation and integrating their ideas in the leadership process. Lastly, achievement oriented leaders challenge the subordinates to perform excellently by establishing high excellence standards for the employees to keep improving. They highly believe in their employee’s abilities, and they believe that they are equal to the task.

Leaders can exhibit more than one style of leadership. Leaders should adapt their styles to the situation, or the motivational needs of their subordinates and different situations may call for different types of leadership behavior. The characteristics of the subordinates and the task characteristics also dictate the style a leader will exhibit (House & Mitchell, 1974).

References

House, R. J., & Mitchell, R. R. (1974). Path–goal theory of leadership. Journal of Contemporary Business, 3, 81–97.

Northhouse, P., 5th Edition, (2010). Leadership Theory and Practice. SAGE Publications, Inc.

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