Question

Path-goal theory provides managers with three guidelines for becoming an effective leader. Explain

Answer 1

The answer to Path-goal theory provides managers with three guidelines for becoming an effective leader:

The path-goal theory of leadership first appeared in the 1970s in leadership literature. This theory focuses on enhancing follower performance and follower satisfaction. The theory advocates the follower motivation to accomplish the goals.

For becoming an effective leader, the leaders should focus on motivating the followers. The motivation is based on three components; leader behavior, follower characteristics, and task characteristics. To become an effective leader the leader should focus on the leadership style, follower characteristics, and task characteristics. According to the theory, each type of leader’s behavior has a different impact on followers’ motivation. It is contingent on the task characteristics, and followers’ characteristics.

Consider the example of a follower having strong needs for affiliation. He prefers supportive leadership. On the other hand for an authoritarian follower, the theory suggests directive leadership. When the task is clearly structured and norms re clearly defined, the followers find the path without the coaching from leaders. As opposed to this, when the task is new to the team and unclear, the followers need the inputs from the leader.

The bottom line is the leader needs to adopt the leadership style after considering the follower’s characteristics and task characteristics to effectively lead the team.