Path Goal Theory
Path Goal Theory
In order to encourage, support and motivate their followers, Path Goal Theory requires a leader to take into account situational factors when adapting a leadership style. Successful integration of situational factors with a leadership style can lead to maximized satisfaction and effort from the follower.
The Path Goal Theory states leaders must:
• Forge a path for followers to obtain their goal through coaching and direction
• Remove roadblocks and obstacles that are preventing followers from accomplishing goal
• Increase rewards and incentives along the way
1. Subordinate Factors (Follower Characteristics)
A. Ability: A follower’s self-efficacy and self perception of competence in performing tasks to achieve goals.
B. Authoritarianism: is defined as the degree to which the followers seek structure and task clarity.
C. Experience: Knowledge of or skill in achieving a goal.
D. Locus of control: How one perceives how much they can control events that affect their goal achievement. Those with low internal locus of control seek to participate and engage in decision making. On the contrary, those with a strong external locus of control like to be directed and provided structure.
Coach Lengyel has a diverse group of followers with a variety of contrasting personal characteristics. Due to their lack of experience, youth and general “rag-tag” composition, the players on the team lack confidence, ability, cohesion and self efficacy. Given these characteristics, these players have a high external locus of control and yearn for task clarity and guidance. In contrast, Coach Red Dawson and Interim President Donald Dedmon have more autonomy and have established themselves more in their respected roles. Lengyel adjust to the varying characteristics of these followers by engaging them more in the decision-making process and seeking their advice on certain issues that arise.
2. Environmental Factors:
A. Task structure: A leader needs to
In order to encourage, support and motivate their followers, Path Goal Theory requires a leader to take into account situational factors when adapting a leadership style. Successful integration of situational factors with a leadership style can lead to maximized satisfaction and effort from the follower.
The Path Goal Theory states leaders must:
• Forge a path for followers to obtain their goal through coaching and direction
• Remove roadblocks and obstacles that are preventing followers from accomplishing goal
• Increase rewards and incentives along the way
1. Subordinate Factors (Follower Characteristics)
A. Ability: A follower’s self-efficacy and self perception of competence in performing tasks to achieve goals.
B. Authoritarianism: is defined as the degree to which the followers seek structure and task clarity.
C. Experience: Knowledge of or skill in achieving a goal.
D. Locus of control: How one perceives how much they can control events that affect their goal achievement. Those with low internal locus of control seek to participate and engage in decision making. On the contrary, those with a strong external locus of control like to be directed and provided structure.
Coach Lengyel has a diverse group of followers with a variety of contrasting personal characteristics. Due to their lack of experience, youth and general “rag-tag” composition, the players on the team lack confidence, ability, cohesion and self efficacy. Given these characteristics, these players have a high external locus of control and yearn for task clarity and guidance. In contrast, Coach Red Dawson and Interim President Donald Dedmon have more autonomy and have established themselves more in their respected roles. Lengyel adjust to the varying characteristics of these followers by engaging them more in the decision-making process and seeking their advice on certain issues that arise.
2. Environmental Factors:
A. Task structure: A leader needs to