Path-Goal Theory of Leadership

Path-Goal Theory of Leadership formulated by Robert House proposes that the leader can affect the performance, satisfaction, and motivation of a group in different ways:

	Offering rewards for achieving performance goals
	Clarifying paths towards these goals
	Removing obstacles to performance

A person may perform these by adopting a certain leadership style, based on the situation:

	Directive leadership: Specific advice is given to the group and ground rules and structure are established. For example, clarifying expectations, specifying or assigning certain work tasks to be followed.
	Supportive leadership: Good relations are promoted with the group and sensitivity to subordinates' needs is shown.
	Participative leadership: Decision making is based on consultation with the group and information is shared with the group.
	Achievement-oriented leadership: Challenging goals are set and high performance is encouraged while confidence is shown in the groups' ability.

Supportive behavior increases satisfaction by the group, especially in stressful situations, while directive behavior is suited to uncertain and ambiguous situations. It is also proposed that leaders who have influence upon their superiors can increase group satisfaction and performance.

There is also evidence that more directive leadership is preferred by certain people under some circumstances as shown in the figure below:

Self Assessment:

Determine whether you have an internal or external locus of control by taking the Locus of Control Assessment.
As a learner, athlete or worker, do you prefer direct or participative teachers/coaches/leaders?
Which type of leader do you plan to be once you become a teacher?
Email your results to

House, R. (1997). Path-goal theory of leadership: Lessons, legacy, and a reformulated theory. Leadership Quarterly, 7 (3),323-352.

House, R. J. (1971). A path-goal theory of leader effectiveness. Administrative Science Leadership Review, 16, 321-339.

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

http://psychology.about.com/library/weekly/aa041502a.htm

http://www.css.edu/users/dswenson/web/LEAD/path-goal.html

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