1. Path-Goal Theory
Chapter 7

2. Path-Goal Theory (House, 1971)
Leaders should motivate subordinates to accomplish designated goals
The leader’s behavior should correspond to:
the characteristics (needs) of the subordinates and
the work setting
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.

3. Path-Goal Theory (relational, status, material)
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.

4. (Replaces Figure 7.2)
Figuring out the leadership behaviors to increase worker motivation
Leadership Behaviors
Subordinate Characteristics
Task Characteristics
Subordinate Motivation
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.

5. 4 Types of Leadership Behaviors Directive (Task)
Leader Behaviors
4 Types of Leadership Behaviors
Directive (Task)
Supportive (Relational)
Achievement-oriented (Identity)
Participative (Process)
Measured by the Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.

6. Subordinate Characteristics
High Need for Affiliation
Leadership should be friendly and concerned.
Supportive Leadership
High Need for Structure
Leadership should provides psychological structure, task clarity, & greater sense of certainty in work setting.
Directive Leadership
Especially if the subordinate does not feel capable of the task.
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.

7. Subordinate Characteristics
Desire for Control
-High: Internal locus of control
Leadership should allow subordinates to be in charge of their work & involved in decision-making processes
Participative Leadership
-Low: External locus of control
Leadership should relieve anxiety about outside forces controlling the subordinate’s circumstances
Directive Leadership (like need for structure)
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.

8. Highly repetitive tasks
Task Characteristics
Complex tasks and unclear rules (clear procedure but easily misunderstood)
=> More directive
Highly repetitive tasks
=> More supportive
Ambiguous tasks (not clear how it is to be done)
=> More participative and achievement-oriented
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.

9. Weaknesses Strengths Useful theoretical framework.
Four dimensions of leadership behavior
Integrates motivation.
Practical model.
Emphasizes helping subordinates.
Weaknesses
Difficult to implement.
So many variables makes it confusing.
Only partial empirical support .
Northouse - Leadership Theory and Practice, Sixth Edition © 2012 SAGE Publications, Inc.