Robert House and Path Goal Theory [Situational Leadership]

Path Goal Theory, developed by Robert House, suggests that effective leadership depends on the situation and the team. It emphasizes clarifying paths to goals and providing necessary resources. The theory outlines four leadership styles: directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented, each suited to different tasks and team capabilities. While research on its effectiveness is limited, it highlights the importance of context in leadership.

Who first articulated the Path Goal Theory?

• Peter Drucker

• Gary Dessler

• Robert House

• Victor Vroom

According to the Path Goal Model, what two expectations lead to better results?

• Effort leads to performance and performance leads to rewards

• Performance leads to effort and rewards lead to performance

• Effort leads to rewards and rewards lead to performance

• Rewards lead to effort and effort leads to performance

Which leadership style is best when tasks are unstructured and team members have little experience?

• Supportive Leadership

• Achievement-Oriented Leadership

• Participative Leadership

• Directive Leadership

What leadership style involves consulting team members for their ideas and opinions?

• Participative Leadership

• Supportive Leadership

• Directive Leadership

• Achievement-Oriented Leadership

Which leadership style focuses on setting challenging goals for capable and confident teams?

• Achievement-Oriented Leadership

• Directive Leadership

• Participative Leadership

• Supportive Leadership

What is a potential downside of strongly goal-oriented leadership styles?

• They may cause stress for less competent team members

• They require too much time

• They can be too lenient

• They are ineffective for structured tasks

When should a leader be more supportive and directive according to the Path Goal Theory?

• When team members are highly capable and enthusiastic

• When tasks are familiar and routine

• When team members are less capable and less enthusiastic

• When tasks are novel and unstructured