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Essay / Path-Goal Leadership Theory - 867
The path-goal theory deals with the leader's style to motivate followers and achieve set goals (Northouse, 2010). Path-goal theory simply involves a leader working with an individual to establish a goal. The leader achieves this through individual motivation to achieve the proposed goal, while overcoming obstacles that may hinder the achievement of this goal (Whitener, 2007). The basic assumption of the path-goal theory is that the following elements motivate subordinates: the ability to perform the work, their efforts will result in a certain result, and the reward will be worth it (Whitener, 2007). Path-goal theory is a pragmatic approach that the leader uses to motivate followers to achieve set goals. Path-goal theory is derived from expectancy theory and contains four types of leadership behaviors: directive, supportive, participative, and achievement. -oriented (Whitener, 2007). Directive leaders provide clear task instructions, a timetable for task completion, as well as expectation standards and how to accomplish the task (Northouse, 2010). Supportive leaders are friendly and approachable, treat their followers as equals, and try to make work enjoyable for their followers (Whitener, 2007). A participative leader shares decision-making with followers and incorporates their suggestions and feedback into the task objectives (Northouse, 2010). Finally, achievement-oriented leaders challenge their followers to achieve excellence by encouraging them to work at the highest level of success possible (Northouse, 2010). However, each of the behaviors can be used individually or collectively, as different situations call for different behaviors (Whitener). , 2007). Follower characteristics describe how an individual will interpret...... middle of paper ...... reality, I believe this will also prove effective. By automating asset tracking processes, our employees will be freed to think and plan rather than act and react. Additionally, our management will have the accurate and timely information it needs to make strategic and tactical decisions about purchasing, monitoring, and decommissioning assets.Works CitedCSC. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.csc.com/global_alliances/alliances/32254-sapKinicki, A. and Kreitner, R. (2009). Organizational Behavior: Key Concepts, Skills, and Best Practices (4th Custom ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Northouse, P. (2010). Leadership theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Whitener, J. K. (2007). Year of Wonders: The Wonder of Leadership. Advances in Human Resource Development, 9(2), 214-222,226-230,234-235. from ABI/INFORM Global.