Question

Question on Leadership:

Word Limit: 200 words max Several leadership theories emphasize the importance of having good relationships with subordinates (e.g., path-goal theory, transformational leadership, LMX). Choose two (2) of the leadership theories listed in the brackets above, and then compare and contrast them with respect to the how they view relationships between leaders and followers and/or the role that relationships play in leader effectiveness Note that you only need to include one (1) similarity and one (1) difference between the two chosen theories in your answer, and using examples can clarify your reasoning.

Answer 1

Answer: The path goal theory of leadership has a focus on specifying the behaviors and leadership styles that are best suited for motivating employees to achieve their goals in a particular work environment based on the needs of the employees. It defines a process that for achieving the goals, a leader should select leadership styles and behaviors that are best suited for needs of the employees and the working environment. For example in a situation that involves creative people like fashion designers and creative thinking like developing a new fashion brand collection, the leaders need to be participative and take suggestions from the employees. The transformational leadership theory advocates that leaders should work with team and identify their needs, create a vision, bring mutual changes and lead and inspire the change. Transformational leaders lead by example. Thus the major similarity between both these theories is that both advocate that leaders should understand the need of the employees and situation. One major difference between them is that in path goal theory leader may adopt any leadership style as per the situation but in transformational leadership his style is always supportive and participative .