Path–Goal Theory

Leader Behaviors

The theory further states that a leader might display four different types of leadership styles, depending on the situation, to maximize employee effectiveness. Some researchers state that more effective leaders simultaneously incorporate all four styles because of the unique effects of each style across varying work tasks and conditions. The four styles are as follows:

• 1.
  Directive Leadership: Effective leaders should provide specific guidance of performance, set acceptable standards of performance, and provide explicit performance expectations to subordinates. Generally, this approach is best when work is unstructured and complex and the subordinates are inexperienced. Such an approach tends to increase subordinates' sense of security and control.
• 2.
  Supportive Leadership: Effective leaders should be friendly to subordinates and demonstrate concern for each subordinate's well-being by considering each individual's needs. Generally, this approach is best when work is stressful, boring, and hazardous.
• 3.
  Participative Leadership: The effective leader consults with subordinates by soliciting ideas and suggestions from subordinates, soliciting participative decision making affecting subordinates, and valuing and considering subordinate suggestions. [Page 596]Generally, this approach is best when the subordinates are experts and their advice is necessary for achieving work goals.
• 4.
  Achievement-Oriented Leadership: Effective leaders set moderately difficult and challenging goals, continuously emphasize work performance improvements, and expect subordinates to achieve high levels of performance. Generally, this approach is optimal for complex work, but research suggests it is important across all types of work.

Situational Moderators

Path–goal theory also contends that leadership effects on subordinates are moderated by two general classes of boundary conditions:

• 1.
  Environmental Characteristics: task structure and demands, role ambiguity, work autonomy, task interdependence, and task scope
• 2.
  Subordinate Characteristics: cognitive ability, dependence, locus of control, goal orientation, and authoritarianism

Using one of the four styles of leadership just described and considering situational factors, leaders try to influence employee perceptions and motivate them toward goal attainment by clarifying roles, expectancies, satisfaction, and performance standards.

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