PATH GOAL THEORY

Like the other contingency theories of leadership, path goal theory also helps in understanding and determining the effectiveness of leadership in different situations. This theory has been developed by Martin G. Evans and Robert J. House. It is derived from the expectancy theory of motivation.

An effective leader can increase a subordinates motivation by

Clarifying the subordinate's perception about the goals of work; Explaining how goals and desired rewards can be achieved; Linking meaningful rewards with a goal attainment.

Path goal theory believe that managers need to rely contingently on the following leadership styles:
DIRECTIVE STYLE SUPPORTIVE STYLE PARTICIPATIVE STYLE ACHIVEMENT- ORIENTED STYLE.

1. DIRECTIVE STYLE
In this style, the manager tells his subordinates what is expected of them and sets goals and task responsibility for them. He provides specific guidance, schedules, rules, regulations and standards and monitors their performance regularly.

2. SUPPORTIVE STYLE
According to this style, the leader treats his subordinates as equal in a friendly manner. He establishes friendly interpersonal relations with them, shares their feelings and view points and attempts to improve their well-being

3. PARTICIPATIVE STYLE
Such a leader seeks the participation of his sub ordinates. He consults them to get their suggestions and consider them seriously at the time of making decisions. He also keeps them informed on various task and goal situations.

4. ACHIVEMENT- ORIENTED STYLE

The leader sets challenging goals. He places emphasis on developing skill, talent and excellence among his subordinates and seeks continuous improvements. He makes their job more interesting and meaningful and finally provides enough freedom to them. He carries a high degree of confidence that subordinates will meet difficult challenging in a responsible manner.

Subordinate Characteristics
Need for affiliation- prefer supportive leadership Preferences for structure prefer directive leadership Desires of control- prefer participative leadership Self-perceived level of task abilityprefer achievement orientated leadership

Merits of Path goal theory

Helps understand how leader behavior effects subordinates satisfaction and work performance Deals directly with motivation one of the only theories to address this Provides a very practical model make a clear path and follow it

Demerits of path goal theory

This is a very complex theory that incorporates many aspects of leadership Research only partially supports the theory Fails to explain adequately the relationship between leader behavior and subordinate motivation Treats leadership as a one way street, places a majority of the responsibility on the leader

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