Kennedy's Path-Goal Theory

Why We Chose John F. Kennedy As a group, we selected John F. Kennedy as the topic for our leadership paper because of his natural ability to both charismatically and emotionally appeal to the majority of Americans living during the turbulent mid-twentieth century. During this time in American history, the United States witnessed the progression of the Civil Rights Movement, a movement that highlighted the racial injustices many African-Americans living in the country faced while trying to acquire equality and equity for themselves and for future generations. In addition to African-Americans striving to obtain racial equality, the United States also experienced international tension with the Soviet Union as the two countries engaged in a Cold War, it’s apex …show more content…
Before explaining such an accomplishment, there must be an understanding of what directive behavior is under the path-goal theory. Utilizing this understanding will show, in turn, how Kennedy utilized this behavior himself under the path-goal theory. “Directive leader behavior lets subordinates know what is expected of them, gives guidance and direction, and schedules work” (Griffin 2016). With this behavior, delegation of work and responsibilities and times in which to do them, along with guidance and aid in completing the given responsibilities is the key focus of this behavior. With the moon landing and Apollo 11, a massive, wide variety of jobs and responsibilities needed handling by a leader who could delegate these as such. “Various scientists and engineers took effort to make the landing possible, including Neil Armstrong who was the first man to stop on the moon” (Dicht 2009). The variety of skill and expertise needed to complete such an immense task had been managed, delegated and led by none other than Kennedy while utilizing the directive leader