Path Goal Theory
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Leadership is how one can influence others to achieve group or organization goals (Williams &McWilliams. 2010, p. 277). There are differences between a manager and a leader. A manager is concerned with doing things right, limiting others choice, solve the problems so that others could accomplish their works, and relatively short term perspective. While a leader is concerned with doing the right thing, open up peoples choice and options, motivate and inspire others to find their own solution, and relatively long term perspective. Both are important. However being a leader, with whatever the outcome is, its their responsibility. To be a good leader, one must understand the path goal theory really well- function of a leader that help motivate and inspire the employees to work hard on achieving the goals (Dessler &Valenzi, 1977).
Path goal theory states that by clearing and clarifying the path to goals as well as the increase in numbers of reward, this lead to the increase in subordinates performance and satisfaction (Weisenfeld & Killough, 1992). Leader must behave well with their employees, in order to please the followers. Not only that, they must act in a unique way. For example, the behavour must not be the same as the employees. However; because of path goal theory, leaders now can be flexible with their employees depend on the environment, situations, and types of employees. There are four leadership styles in path goal theory, directive leadership, supportive leadership, participative leadership, and achievement oriented leadership.
The first leadership style is the directive leadership. This involves the leader letting their employees know what exactly needed to be done and what is expected. To do so, the leader must give a specific guideline for the task, scheduling work, setting standard of performance and make sure the employees follow the rules and regulations. This may be appropriately used when the task given to an inexperienced employee is complex and unstructured. Since the task is complicate and unstructured, the leader must explain the details break down, what is the importance within the tasks, and what is expected from the tasks.
The second one is supportive leadership. This is all about creating a friendly environment within an organization. Leaders must be able to approach their employees, showing them concern and their welfare (Schriesheim & Von Glinow, 1977) and treating all employees equally. This not only helps creating employees satisfaction with the job and the leader but also help increasing employees confident and trust, furthermore; decrease the stress level. This is best used, when the works given are boring and stressful. Therefore, by using this style, leaders could change the environment to be more colorful, fun, and the job to be more interesting to the employees.
The third one is participative leadership. This is where the leader open up a discussion with the employees, suggestions and opinions from the employees will be considered as part in decision-making. By having a discussion, leader then have the chance to explain the