Path-Goal Theory
(House)

Knowledge Center

What is the Path-Goal Theory? Description

This idea of Robert House holds that a leader can affect the performance, satisfaction, and motivation of a group by:

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

However, whether leadership behavior can do so effectively also depends on situational factors.
 

Situational Factors of the Path-Goal Theory

• Subordinates' Personality
  • Locus of Control. A participative leader is suitable for subordinates with internal locus of control; A directive leader is suitable for subordinates with external locus of control.
  • Self-perceived ability. Subordinates that believe they have a high ability themselves, do not like directive leadership. Compare: Attribution Theory
• Characteristics of the environment:
  • When a group is working on a task that has a high structure, directive leadership is redundant and less effective.
  • When a highly formal authority system is in place, directive leadership can again reduce workers' satisfaction.
  • When subordinates are in a team environment offering great social support, the supportive leadership style becomes less necessary.

According to House, there are four different types of leadership styles depending on the situation.

Four Leadership Styles (House)

1. Directive Leadership. The leader gives specific guidance of performance to subordinates. Compare: Theory of Needs
2. Supportive Leadership. The leader is friendly and shows concern for the subordinates.
3. Participative Leadership. The leader consults with subordinates and considers their suggestions.
4. Achievement-oriented Leadership. The leader sets high goals and expects subordinates to have high-level performance.

Forum Forum discussions about Path-Goal Theory. Below you can ask a question about this topic, share your experiences, report a new development, or explain something. Start a new topic about Path-Goal Theory Share your knowledge here (or ask a question)   House Leadership Style Questinnaire Can anyone help in find "House Leadership Style Questinnaire"?... 8   🔥 NEW Path-goal Theory versus Attribution Theory What do the path-goal theory and atribution theory have in common (similarities)? What are the main differences between path-goal theory and attribution theory? Thanks for your help...... 1   Path-Goal Styles Differences What are further differences between the four Path-Goal leadership styles by House?... 1   1 comments What is Locus of Contol? Definitions What is meant by locus of control?... -2   1 comments

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Compare with Path-Goal Theory:  Leadership Styles  |  Situational Leadership  |  4 Dimensions of Relational Work  |  Theory of Needs  |  Hierarchy of Needs  |  Result Oriented Management  |  Results-Based Leadership  |  Level 5 Leadership  |  Leadership Continuum  |  Herzberg Two Factor Theory  |  Competing Values Framework  |  Theory X Theory Y  |  Hawthorne Effect  |  Change Management  |  Seven Surprises  |  Seven Habits  |  SMART  |  PAEI |  Emotional Intelligence  |  Expectancy Theory  |  Framing  |  Cultural Intelligence  |  EPIC ADVISERS  |  Charismatic Leadership

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