Path-Goal Theory Analysis

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In contrast to the situational leadership approach, where a leader is required to become familiarized with the development of employees, path-goal theory emphasizes on the relationship with a leaders behaviors and the characteristics of the subordinates. The path-goal theory consists of four leadership behaviors promoting employee engagement and enthusiasm. Polston-Murdoch (2103), stated that House centered the four leadership styles on three attitudes exhibited by employees as follows; employee satisfaction, employee expectations of leaders, and employee performance. The four path-goal leadership types, which promote structure and recognize employee performance, were supportive, directive, participative, and achievement oriented. According …show more content…
From this perspective the leader attempts to initiate structure in the work atmosphere and illuminate the path for followers leading to motivated performance and goal achievement increasing personal payoffs as well. This approach to leadership is surrounded around how employee involvement, with organizational goals, and the delivery of leadership behaviors have direct affect with the performance of subordinates. Employees are motivated to work and perform effectively based on the kind of positive rewards they expect to earn as a result of their performance. Leaders attempt to engage and tap into inner motivational behaviors of employees leading to increase in work. The theory supports the leadership idea that employee’s efforts are propelled by leadership actions. Leaders are responsible for influencing employees to follow and work on achieving goals, which align to those of the organization (Malik &Hassan, (2014). Some leaders are able to conquer these behaviors from subordinates by rewarding employee performance and motivating employees. Additionally, leaders build a foundation of trust allowing them to tap into subordinates unrestricted energy, which is the extra effort employees are willing to invest in their work (Frisch, 2014). …show more content…
Employees become psychologically involved with the organization, which is different than becoming emotionally attached with their leader (Polston-Murdoch, 2103). Quality improves along with production and employee engagement leading to a more motivated working environment. The approach of path-goal theory within my organization has been instilled within the culture and into everyone minds. The organizations philosophy in regards to the path-goal theory is as follows; integrity first, service before self and excellence in all business involvements, leaders lead by example. This method of motivation is encouraged with attempts to align subordinates to achieving goals without

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