Houses PathGoal Leadership Theory
QuestionHow can leaders use alternative leadership styles to add value in different types of situations?
The pathgoal theory advanced by Robert House seeks the right fit between leadership style and situation.34 Unlike Fiedler, House believed that a leader can use all of the following leadership styles and actually shift back and forth among them:
Path-goal leadership styles
- Directive leadershipletting followers know what is expected; giving directions on what to do and how; scheduling work to be done; maintaining definite performance standards; clarifying the leaders role in the group.
- Supportive leadershipdoing things to make work more pleasant; treating team members as equals; being friendly and approachable; showing concern for the well-being of subordinates.
- Achievement-oriented leadershipsetting challenging goals; expecting the highest levels of performance; emphasizing continuous performance improvement; displaying confidence in meeting high standards.
- Participative leadershipinvolving team members in decision making; consulting with them and asking for suggestions; using these suggestions when making decisions.