Path-Goal leadership theory is a theory predicated on the belief that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' leadership approach. It suggests that the leadership path selected by the leader is dependent upon the needs and motivation of the follower, as well as is dependent upon the final, intended goal of the leadership directive. When followers are ambiguous about the needs of a job, a directive leadership style is required that tells subordinates what to do in a clear and direct fashion. If subordinates have the necessary knowledge, but lack the confidence to achieve a particular objective, a supportive leadership style which 'coaches' and encourages subordinates is demanded of the leader. When the knowledge of the leader and follower are similar and the confidence of the followers are high, a participative style in which there is a shared 'meeting of the minds' in terms of the methods is used to achieve the leader's goals. Participative approaches are best when the concrete goal of the task is more ambiguous. When followers are highly motivated to succeed, achievement-oriented leadership which uses competition and setting high goals is required (Path-goal, n.d). In short, leadership depends on intense interpersonal...
It also helps to explain why certain leadership approaches are extremely successful within specific organizational contexts, while fail in others. If followers are insufficiently motivated and there is a task that must be accomplished in a timely fashion, participative leadership can quickly result in a lack of direction and accountability. However, in a creative company where quality rather than quantity of intellectual output is important, a directive leadership style could prove stifling.
Reference
Path-goal. (Robert House). Available:
http://faculty.css.edu/dswenson/web/LEAD/path-goal.html [16 Jul 2013]
Part 2
Behaviors and performance targets demanded of David include
Coming to work on time
Ensuring that the information given to customers is accurate (based upon customer…
