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Leadership Theory and Practice 8th Edition Northouse Test Bank Full Chapter PDF
Leadership Theory and Practice 8th Edition Northouse Test Bank Full Chapter PDF
Test Bank
Chapter 6: Path-Goal Theory
Multiple Choice
4. The researcher who consistently studied path-goal theory from the 1970s to 1990s is
______.
A. Bass
B. Hersey
C. Vroom
D. House
Northouse, Leadership 8e
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Answer Location: Description
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
10. The path–goal leader adjusts to the characteristics of the follower and ______.
A. the characteristics of the work setting
B. the characteristics of the team members
C. the prototype of the in-group members
D. the skills of the followers
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Answer Location: Description
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
11. If an employee is uncertain that her efforts will pay off, then path–goal theory
suggests ______.
A. the employee should move to the company’s out-group
B. the leader should prove that the employee’s effort will be rewarded
C. additional obstacles should be introduced to challenge the employee
D. the employee is on the wrong path
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Application
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
12. The underlying assumption of expectancy theory is that followers will be motivated if
______.
A. they believe their leaders are capable
B. they believe their leaders are motivated
C. they believe they are doing the right thing
D. they believe their efforts will result in a certain outcome
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Northouse, Leadership 8e
16. Which two path–goal leader behaviors are also leader behaviors in the situational
approach?
A. participative and directive
B. supportive and authoritative
C. supportive and directive
D. achievement-oriented and directive
Ans: C
Northouse, Leadership 8e
17. Which of the following leadership theories expects the leader to continually be
concerned about subordinate motivation?
A. situational leadership theory
B. contingency theory
C. path-goal theory
D. leader–member exchange theory
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Description
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
21. Your supervisor gives you a new project. You are informed that you have exactly 1
week to complete it and are handed an outline of what the final project should resemble.
According to path–goal theory, which behavior best describes your supervisor?
A. supportive
B. directive
C. participative
D. achievement oriented
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Directive Leadership
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behavior
22. Each week your supervisor holds a meeting to which he invites you and all the other
employees to give feedback regarding current projects. According to path-goal theory,
which behavior best describes your supervisor?
A. supportive
B. directive
C. participative
D. achievement oriented
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Participative Leadership
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behavior
23. According to path–goal theory, leadership does all of the following except ______.
A. clarifies the path to reaching goals
B. defines the goals for the follower
C. provides support to the follower
D. introduces challenging obstacles
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Description
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking
24. Challenging followers to perform work at the highest levels possible is an example
of which leadership behavior?
A. supportive
B. directive
Northouse, Leadership 8e
C. participative
D. achievement oriented
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Achievement-oriented Leadership
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
25. Followers who have strong needs for affiliation prefer which type of leadership
behavior?
A. supportive
B. directive
C. participative
D. achievement oriented
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
26. According to path–goal theory, as the followers' perception of their own ability and
competence increases, the need for ______.
A. supportive leadership goes down
B. supportive leadership goes up
C. directive leadership goes up
D. directive leadership goes down
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
27. According to path–goal theory, directive leadership should be used when employees
______.
A. believe that outside circumstances control their lives
B. believe they are in charge of their lives
C. feel competent to complete their work
D. want to help make decisions
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
A. directive style
B. supportive style
C. participative style
D. achievement style
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
30. House introduced new behaviors in his reformulated path-goal theory in 1996.
These include all of the following except ______.
A. inherent trait approach
B. group-oriented decision process
C. work facilitation
D. work-group representation and networking
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
31. In contexts where the group norms are weak or non-supportive, leadership assists
in building ______ and ______.
A. rules; clarification
B. cohesiveness; role responsibility
C. roles; responsibility
D. psychological structure; task clarity
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
Northouse, Leadership 8e
32. Path–goal theory suggests that leaders should respond to autonomous group
members with unstructured tasks from a ______.
A. directive style
B. supportive style
C. participative style
D. achievement style
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
33. Tasks that are unclear and ambiguous call for leadership input that ______.
A. provides structure
B. provides support
C. removes obstacles
D. is achievement oriented
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
35. With path–goal theory incorporating so many different aspects of leadership within
its model, which of the following could be argued?
A. the practical use of the theory is not valid
B. it fails to determine the role of motivation
C. it allows the leader to have a wider range of options as leader
D. it is difficult to use the theory fully when trying to improve the leadership process
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Criticisms
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking
Northouse, Leadership 8e
37. Path–goal theory suggests that leaders should respond to followers who need
affiliation from a(n) ______.
A. achievement style
B. supportive style
C. directive style
D. participative style
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
38. Path–goal theory suggests that leaders should respond to followers who need clarity
and control from a(n) ______.
A. achievement style
B. supportive style
C. directive style
D. participative style
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
39. Path–goal theory suggests that leaders should respond to followers who need to
excel from a(n) ______.
A. achievement style
B. supportive style
C. directive style
D. participative style
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
Northouse, Leadership 8e
41. Manuel has a good sense of who he is and is confident that what he does and how
he responds to situations will help him achieve his goals. Manuel has ______.
A. external locus of control
B. need for affiliation
C. internal locus of control
D. authoritarian disposition
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
42. Susan feels that others in her organization and in her personal life have more
influence over her and her career and life path. Susan has ______.
A. autonomous locus of control
B. need for affiliation
C. internal locus of control
D. external locus of control
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
43. The new behaviors House identified in his reformulated path-goal review in 1996
have the same essential premise as the original work which is ______.
A. to match leader behavior to follower competence and commitment
B. to describe task and relationship behaviors
C. to identify competencies of leaders
D. to give followers what is missing in their workplace
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Northouse, Leadership 8e
44. Leaders who invite their followers to share in the decision-making process are using
______.
A. directive behaviors
B. achievement behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. participative behaviors
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Leader Behaviors
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
45. Leaders who challenge their followers to perform their very best are using ______.
A. directive behaviors
B. achievement behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. participative behaviors
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Leader Behaviors
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
46. Leaders who are friendly and approachable are using ______.
A. directive behaviors
B. achievement behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. participative behaviors
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Leader Behaviors
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
47. Leaders who give followers instructions about task accomplishment are using
______.
A. directive behaviors
B. achievement behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. participative behaviors
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Leader Behaviors
Difficulty Level: Easy
Northouse, Leadership 8e
48. Your supervisor expresses concern for your well-being when he learns of the
passing of your father. He is using ______.
A. directive behaviors
B. achievement behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. participative behaviors
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Leader Behaviors
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
49. Your supervisor is happy with your work and expresses confidence that you will
bring the project in ahead of time and under budget. She is using ______.
A. directive behaviors
B. achievement behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. participative behaviors
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: Leader Behaviors
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
51. I am doing a task I do not really understand and wish my leader would clear up my
confusion by telling me the first few steps. According to path-goal theory, which
leadership style would help me the most?
A. directive behaviors
B. achievement behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. participative behaviors
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Application
Northouse, Leadership 8e
52. I am doing a task I find very boring and unchallenging. Which leadership style would
help me the most?
A. directive behaviors
B. participative behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. achievement behaviors
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
53. I am doing a task that is really difficult to understand, and I want to clarify the task
and work out the details myself. Which leadership style would help me the most?
A. directive behaviors
B. participative behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. achievement behaviors
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
54. This challenging new project is exciting and I cannot wait to see how great it is going
to be when I am finished. Which leadership style would help me the most?
A. directive behaviors
B. participative behaviors
C. supportive behaviors
D. achievement behaviors
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
55. Which of the following is most accurate about research to validate path-goal theory?
A. A great deal of research has examined about directive and supportive leadership.
B. Most studies have examined participative and achievement oriented leadership.
C. Path-goal theory has been repeatedly validated in the academic community.
D. No scientific studies have been conducted on path-goal theory.
Ans: C
Northouse, Leadership 8e
56. Despite the critiques, one of the key strengths of path-goal theory is its ______.
A. practical nature
B. basic focus on traits
C. deep explanatory power
D. emphasis on linkages
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Strengths
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking
57. Supportive leadership in path-goal theory is very similar to which concept from the
Behavioral Approach?
A. structure
B. consideration
C. motivation
D. production
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Supportive Leadership
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking
58. Followers who need a high level of human interaction need ______.
A. directive leadership
B. participative leadership
C. supportive leadership
D. achievement-oriented leadership
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
59. Followers who have internal locus of control benefit from ______.
A. directive leadership
B. participative leadership
C. supportive leadership
D. achievement-oriented leadership
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Northouse, Leadership 8e
60. Followers with the desire to exceed expectations benefit from ______.
A. directive leadership
B. participative leadership
C. supportive leadership
D. achievement-oriented leadership
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
62. My job is data entry, which I do all day long every day of the week. This is a(n)
______.
A. complex task characteristic
B. ambiguous task characteristic
C. challenging task characteristic
D. mundane task characteristic
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
63. My job’s policies and procedures change regularly. This is a(n) ______.
A. complex task characteristic
B. unclear task characteristic
C. challenging task characteristic
D. mundane task characteristic
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Northouse, Leadership 8e
64. My job does not have set ways of doing each task. This is a(n) ______.
A. complex task characteristic
B. ambiguous task characteristic
C. repetitive task characteristic
D. unchallenging task characteristic
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
65. My job has many pieces that stretch my ability every day. This is a(n) ______.
A. challenging task characteristic
B. repetitive task characteristic
C. unclear task characteristic
D. mundane task characteristic
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
66. My job as a leader using path-goal theory is to use a style that ______.
A. that best fits the followers’ needs
B. that best fits the followers’ needs and the type of job they are doing
C. that best fits the leader’s style and the followers’ work style
D. that best fits the followers’ characteristics
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
67. I am really frustrated and unsatisfied with my work right now. I need my leader to
______.
A. nurture me
B. involve me
C. challenge me
D. direct me
Ans: A
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Northouse, Leadership 8e
68. I am tired of doing the same old boring job. I need my leader to ______.
A. challenge me
B. involve me
C. support me
D. direct me
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
69. I am doing a job that has ambiguous rules for which I need clarity. I need my leader
to ______.
A. challenge me
B. involve me
C. nurture me
D. direct me
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
72. According to path–goal theory, when an employee’s tasks are complex and
challenging and the employee has a high need to excel, the boss should apply ______.
A. directive behaviors
B. supportive behaviors
C. participative behaviors
D. achievement oriented behaviors
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path-Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
73. There are multiple leader behaviors, task characteristics, and follower
characteristics in path-goal theory that must be assessed correctly and integrated for
effective leadership. This is a ______.
A. strength of path-goal theory
B. criticism of path-goal theory
C. leader benefit of path-goal theory
D. organizational benefit of path-goal theory
Ans: B
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Criticisms
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking
77. In path–goal theory, leaders can chose from ______ types of behaviors.
A. two
B. three
C. four
D. five
Ans: C
Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Answer Location: Leader Behaviors
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
78. Karina sorts and files medical records all day long. She is bored. Path–goal theory
suggests Karina would be best motivated by ______.
A. higher goals
B. stricter deadlines
C. involvement in decisions
D. regular lunch with her boss
Ans: D
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path-Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
True/False
2. Once a leader adjusts his/her style to match a follower’s needs, he/she should
continue to use that style with that follower.
Ans: F
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: How Does Skills Approach Work?
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
4. In work settings where the formal authority system is weak, leadership becomes a
tool that helps subordinates by making the rules and work requirements clear.
Ans: T
Cognitive Domain: Knowledge
Answer Location: Task Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
Northouse, Leadership 8e
5. Path-goal theory predicts that subordinates who have strong needs for affiliation
prefer directive leadership.
Ans: F
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
8. Path–goal theory is a lot like coaching and mentoring in Mumford’s Skills Model.
Ans: F
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking
10. Path–goal theory predicts that subordinates who are authoritarian prefer directive
leadership.
Ans: T
Cognitive Domain: Comprehension
Answer Location: Follower Characteristics
Difficulty Level: Easy
AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge
Northouse, Leadership 8e
Short Answer
4. Jared just started a new job as a project manager at consulting firm, and his boss
Kathy challenged him to establish a social media strategy for the company. The
company currently has no social media presence. Jared is comfortable working on his
own and has an internal locus of control. Using path-goal theory, what leadership
behavior would you recommend Kathy apply, and what is one action you recommend
she take?
Ans: Kathy should apply participative leadership with Jared. She should invite him to
share in decision making, consult with him, get his ideas, integrate his suggestions.
Cognitive Domain: Application
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
Northouse, Leadership 8e
Essay
1. In path–goal theory, when tasks are ambiguous, three different styles of leadership
are prescribed. How would a leader know which one to choose?
Ans: After assessing task characteristics, the leader should assess group members’
orientations. If they like psychological structure and certainty, then the leader should
use a directive style. If members have a strong sense of agency and like to be involved
in decision making, then a participative style of leadership is called for. For members
who are self-motivated and strive to excel, an achievement-oriented leadership style
would be most effective.
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Hard
AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking
3. Path-goal theory is criticized for its over-emphasis on the leader and not so much on
the follower. This may lead to follower dependence on the leader. What would you
recommend to an organization wanting to avoid such outcomes? Give examples using
specific behaviors you would recommend for a leader.
Northouse, Leadership 8e
Ans: Answer should give an overview of the following behaviors and then offer
supported suggestions: directive behavior, supportive behavior, participative behavior,
and achievement-oriented behavior.
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork
4. Both the directive and supportive leader behaviors in the path-goal approach are
quite similar to the leader behaviors of the same name in the situational approach.
Participative and achievement-oriented behaviors are different from the other two
behaviors in situational approach (coaching and delegating). Compare and contrast
these four behaviors using your knowledge of both the situational approach and path–
goal approach.
Ans: Answers will vary but should include a discussion of each of the four behaviors.
Coaching--is high supportive and high directive. There is a high level of involvement
with the follower, which is somewhat similar to participative in path-goal. However, in
coaching the leader makes the final decision, and in participative behavior the decisions
are made with input from the followers. Delegating--is low supportive and low directive.
It is used in situational approach when the leader trusts the followers because they are
competent and committed. The achievement-oriented style in path-goal might have
some similarities because leaders use this style with followers who have a high need to
excel and are welcoming of challenges.
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: How Does Path–Goal Theory Work?
Difficulty Level: Hard
AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors
B.
Babylon, by the waters of, vii. 122.
Back and side, go bare, go bare, Both foot and hand go cold, etc., v.
288.
bade the lovely scenes at distance hail, And, vii. 304.
Bailey, that unfortunate Miss, iii. 160.
balsam of fierabras, xi. 304.
bambouzled and bit, iii. 156.
bane and antidote, its, iv. 8; xi. 524
Bann’d be those hours when ’mongst the learned throng, etc., v.
283.
barbarous kings, iii. 111.
bard whose soul is meek as dawning day, i. 429.
bared his swelling heart, iii. 338.
bare trees and mountains bare, the, etc., i. 113; iii. 168; v. 163.
ball of dazzling fire, xii. 342.
base cullionly fellow, xii. 285.
Be every day of your long life like this, etc., viii. 75.
Be mine to read eternal new romances of Marivaux and Crebillon,
v. 118; viii. 106; x. 25; xi. 333.
Be niggards of advice on no pretence, etc., v. 75.
Be silent always, when you doubt your sense, etc., v. 75.
Be to her faults a little blind, etc., iii. 217.
Be wise to-day; ’tis madness to defer, etc., v. 114.
beaker full of the warm South, Oh for a, etc., ix. 174.
bear a charmed life, xii. 151.
Bear thou that great Eliza in thy mind, etc., iii. 112, 278.
beautiful is vanished, and returns not, the, etc., vi. 186; xii. 293.
Beautiful mask! etc., xii. 321.
beauty and grandeur of the art, The whole, etc., vi. 134.
beauty, By their own, etc., x. 349.
beauty in creatures of the same species, etc., vi. 137.
Beauty, Love, and Truth lie here, etc., ii. 75.
Beauty out of favour and on crutches, vi. 221.
beauty, rendered still more beautiful, xi. 212.
Beauty the lover’s gift? Dear me, what is a lover that it can give?
etc., viii. 73.
Beauty, When he saw nought but, etc., iv. 217.
because he was a lord, firstly, etc., xi. 487.
because it would do that in verse, etc., xi. 491.
because on earth their names, etc., i. 23; x. 63.
Because you think me a savage, viii. 442.