Path-Goal Theory of Leadership

The research has clarified the fact that any of the leadership style can not be effective solely if the situation is not kept in view before the particular style is decided and implemented.
New findings and theories have began to unveil a whole new leadership theory, came to be popularly known as “path-goal” theory. This leadership theory is explained on the basis of situation and other related factors.

The path-goal theory suggests that the leaders can only have a successful leadership if they support the subordinates towards a specific goal by assigning them a clear, creative path. They can do so by explaining them clearly and articulately about their vision, making them aware of the upcoming obstacles and at the same time, revealing them the way of how to stand up amidst of curbing crisis. A series of rewards, explanation of mistakes and encouragement will make the leadership effective-the ultimate purpose of this theory.
This theory explains the effectiveness of leadership in terms of impact of leader on subordinates. Robert House, the American psychologist, who suggested this theory, says that leaders are successful as long as they have immense leadership influence on the subordinates, who acts as a source of motivation to their followers. In other words, the true leader inspires the goals and dreams and allow them turn their idealism in to realism by showing them the required path.
This theory highlights the amalgamated version of all the leadership styles. The theory demands the leader to have a right balance between his authority and his friendliness with the subordinates. He neither have to be too authoritative that the subordinates hesitate in expressing their creative ideas and critical thoughts nor have to be too friendly that the divider between the leader and subordinates reduce to transparency, and subordinates start exercising their freedom in the negative way.
This modern theory of leadership permits a wide space for participative leadership as the subordinates are totally involve in decision-making process and their suggestions are sought and given their due credit. In the path-goal theory of leadership, the challenging goals are set for subordinates and, the leaders show them the way to attain it.Additionally, they are given free hand to implement their creative ideas for the best accomplishment of goals. Leaders show their confidence by entrusting them with the complete authority on the allocated task.
Since, the theory is totally situation oriented; the leader has to be extra careful in the analysis of the task and other factors before defining the path to the subordinates. For example, at the time when the task is not clear to the subordinates or the path appears as vague or distorted to them, guidance and suggestions by the leader would be willingly welcomed by the subordinates. However, when the things are well-defined and outlined to the subordinates and the followers are quite confident of their efforts, the redundant regulations would be taken by them as over controlling their skills and potential.
This variance in approach is dependent on the clarity of the situation, abilities of the subordinates and their motivation and, on the depth of task. The more complicated the task is and the less comprehensible the paths are, the increase supportive suggestions by the leader would be genuinely entertained.
This theory demands the leader to maintain a firm checks on his behavior and the body language as the actions speak louder than the words. He as to appear as a source of motivation, inspiration, trust and confidence. The actions should speak the depth of his commitment and the passion for the task and the affection for followers. The behavior should infuse the feeling of satisfaction in the working aura.
The key to have effective leader, based on the path-goal leadership theory, is to mark the paths to the goals. This can be well done by identifying the key tasks to the subordinates, explaining the nature of complicated hurdles and, describing the way to smooth away the obstacles in to terrific success.
The path-goal theory can promise the successful leadership as long as the situation, motivation and the inclination of the followers towards the task is kept in view. The more the related factors are considered and the appropriate the decisions are made, along with the full-fledged implementation of the opted strategy, the more the effective leadership would be and, the chances of the success would become certain.