Path-goal theory is a leadership theory, developed by Robert House and first presented in 1971, that holds a leader's central function is to clarify the path by which followers can achieve their work goals and personal rewards, removing obstacles and providing the support, direction, or structure the situation requires. The theory identifies distinct leadership behaviors, including directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented styles, and argues that which behavior is most effective depends on characteristics of the followers and of the task environment. Path-goal theory extended earlier contingency approaches to leadership by focusing specifically on how leader behavior affects follower motivation and satisfaction.
Facts
Core ClaimPath-goal theory holds that a leader's effectiveness depends on selecting a leadership behavior that complements the situation and clarifies the path to follower goal attainment. 1 Classification
Topic (Functional Area) Connections
Addresses Topic
Associated With
Both are contingency-based leadership theories developed in the same research tradition.
Source Wikipedia, Fiedler Contingency Model
Source Wikipedia, Management
Situational leadership theory and path-goal theory are both taught as contingency approaches to leadership, alongside Fiedler.
Path-Goal Theory incorporates directive and supportive leader behaviors that overlap with the transactional leadership style, and the two are discussed together in leadership studies.
Source Wikipedia, Transactional Leadership
Developed By
Source Path-goal theory (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia, Path-Goal Theory
WikipediaWikipedia, Path-goal theory lead section
the path-goal theory of leader effectiveness or the path-goal model, is a leadership theory developed by Robert House, an Ohio State University graduate, in 1971 and revised in 1996.
Introduction, functional area topic classification
The path-goal theory, also known as the path-goal theory of leader effectiveness or the path-goal model, is a leadership theory developed by Robert House, an Ohio State University graduate, in 1971 and revised in 1996.
View the Source Wikipedia, Fiedler Contingency Model
Wikipedia, Transactional Leadership
Wikipedia, Management
Associated With: Management, Classified by subject-matter domain within management theory (w-bbfill-business-other-0926); cites the discipline definition.View the Source Path-goal theory (Wikipedia)
Developed By: Robert J. House, LeadQuote, Developed By: Robert J. House, Lead
is a leadership theory developed by Robert House, an Ohio State University graduate, in 1971 and revised in 1996
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