Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Path-Goal Theory Approach

Leadership
Theory and Practice,
3/e
Peter G. Northouse, Ph.D.

William Allan Kritsonis, PhD

Presenter

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 1

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Overview
Path-Goal Theory Approach Perspective
Conditions of Leadership Motivation
Leader Behaviors & Subordinate
Characteristics
Task Characteristics
How Does the PGT Approach Work?
SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 2
 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Path-Goal Theory Approach

Description
Perspective Definition
Goal - To enhance employee Path-goal theory
performance and satisfaction by
focusing on employee motivation centers on how leaders
Premise - Subordinates will be motivate subordinates
motivated if they believe: (a) they to accomplish
are capable of performing their
work; (b) that their efforts will be designated goals
rewarded; and (c) that the payoff
will be worthwhile
Challenge - To use a leadership style
that best meets subordinates
motivational needs
SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 3
 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Conditions of Leadership Motivation

Leadership generates motivation when:
It increases the number and kinds
of payoffs
Path to the goal is clear and easily
traveled with coaching and
direction
Obstacles and roadblocks are
removed
The work itself is personally
satisfying

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 4

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Leader Behaviors & Subordinate

Characteristics

Subordinate Characteristics
Directive Leadership
Dogmatic & authoritarian
Leader who gives Clarifies path to the goal,
subordinates task instruction
making it less ambiguous
including:
What is expected of them Authoritarian types feel more
How task is to be done comfortable when leader
Timeline for task completion provides certainty in work
setting
External locus of control -
outside forces control their
circumstances

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 5

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Leader Behaviors & Subordinate

Characteristics

Supportive Leadership Subordinate

Refers to being friendly
and approachable as a leader:
Attends to subordinates
well-being
Supportively attempts to make
work environment pleasant
Treats subordinates as equals
and with respect
Characteristics
Need for affiliation
Friendly and concerned
leadership is a source of
satisfaction

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 6

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Leader Behaviors & Subordinate

Characteristics

Participative Leadership Subordinate

Leader who invites
subordinates to share in the
decision-making
Consults with subordinates
Seeks their ideas & opinions
Integrates their input into
organizational decisions
Characteristics
Internal locus of control
Allows subordinates to feel
in charge of their work
Makes them an integral part
of the decision-making
process

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 7

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Leader Behaviors & Subordinate

Characteristics

Achievement Oriented Subordinate Characteristics

Leader who challenges
subordinates to perform High expectations & need to excel
work at the highest level In ambiguous task situations,
possible subordinates feel their efforts
Establishes a high standard of will result in effective performance
excellence
Seeks continuous improvement
Demonstrates a high degree of
confidence in subordinates
ability to establish & achieve
challenging goals

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 8

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Task Characteristics
Components Task Situations Requiring
Leader Involvement
Task characteristics: Unclear and ambiguous - Leader needs
to provide structure
Design of Highly repetitive - Leader needs to
subordinates task provide support to maintain
subordinate motivation
Organizations Weak formal authority - If formal
formal authority authority system is weak, the leader
needs to assist subordinates by making
system rules and work requirements clear
Primary work group Nonsupportive/weak group norms -
Leader needs to help build
of subordinates cohesiveness and role responsibility

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 9

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Path-Goal Theory Matrix

LEADER GROUP TASK
BEHAVIOR MEMBERS CHARACTERISTICS
Directive Leadership
Provides guidance Dogmatic Ambiguous
& psychological Authoritarian Unclear rules
structure Complex

Supportive Leadership
Provides nurturance Unsatisfied Repetitive
Need affiliation Unchallenging
Need human touch Mundane & mechanical

Participative Leadership
Provides involvement Autonomous Ambiguous
Need for control Unclear
Need for clarity Unstructured

Achievement Oriented
Provides challenges High expectations Ambiguous
Need to excel Challenging
Complex
SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 10
 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

How Does the

Path-Goal Theory
Approach Work?
Focus of Path-Goal Theory Approach
Strengths
Criticisms
Application

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 11

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach
Path-Goal Theory Approach
Focus
Path-goal theory is a complex
but also pragmatic approach
Leaders should choose a
leadership style that best fits
the needs of subordinates and
their work
SAGE Publications
Overall Scope
Path-goal theory
provides a set of
assumptions about how
different leadership
styles will interact with
subordinate
characteristics and the
work situation to affect
employee motivation
2003 Jan Krieger 12
 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Strengths
Useful theoretical framework. Path-goal theory is a useful theoretical
framework for understanding how various leadership behaviors affect the
satisfaction of subordinates and their work performance.
Integrates motivation. Path-goal theory attempts to integrate the
motivation principles of expectancy theory into a theory of leadership.
Practical model. Path-goal theory provides a practical model that
underscores and highlights the important ways leaders help subordinates.

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 13

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Criticisms
Interpreting the meaning of the theory can be confusing because it is so
complex and incorporates so many different aspects of leadership;
consequently, it is difficult to implement.
Empirical research studies have demonstrated only partial support for path-
goal theory.
It fails to adequately explain the relationship between leadership behavior and
worker motivation.
The path-goal theory approach treats leadership as a one-way event in which
the leader affects the subordinate.

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 14

 Chapter 7 - Path-Goal Theory Approach

Application
PGT offers valuable insights that can be
applied in ongoing settings to improve ones
leadership.
Informs leaders about when to be directive,
supportive, participative, or achievement
oriented
The principles of PGT can be employed by
leaders at all organizational levels and for all
types of tasks

SAGE Publications 2003 Jan Krieger 15