Introduction
Path- goal theory was developed by Robert House in 1971. The theory describes how leaders can motivate their followers to achieve the goals of the organization or the group. It also describes behaviors leaders can engage in their quest to motivate their followers. The theory is basically about how a leader motivates his or her followers to attain designated goals. The goal of leadership in an organization is to enhance the performance and satisfaction of the employee by focusing on their motivation. A leader must take a path that meets the subordinates’’ motivation desires. Path goal leadership removes hindrances, and avails support. It also gives a clarification on paths and defines them. The theory contains a leader’s behavior, followers’ characteristics, characteristics of the task, and follower motivation.
How the theory works
In explaining how the path-goal works, the four path-goals of leader behavior are used. In the directive leadership, leaders inform the followers of what is expected of them. In this way, the leader tells them what to do, how to perform the task, he does the scheduling, and coordinates the work. This path is taken when the followers are new to the task or when the environment has a lot of uncertainty (Alanazi, Alharthey & Rasli, 2013). A supportive path is when a leader makes work enjoyable for the followers by showing he or she is concerned about them. In this context, the leaders are approachable and friendly. This style is used when a task is challenging physically or psychologically.
In using participative leadership, the leader consults with his or her followers before deciding on how to proceed with the task at hand. In this system, followers are trained and highly involved in their work. In using achievement leadership, the leaders set challenging goals for his or her followers. The leader expects them to carry out with their uppermost point and display self-confidence in their capabilities to attain the expectations of the leader. This style is effective in a professional work environment such as scientific and technical or sale.
How the theory is used in coaching
Path-goal theory can be used to explain and illustrate how a coach teaches a team. A coach is a leader who designs paths for players to follow to attain their goals. The work of a coach is to help players along the path. A coach does this by either removing obstacles on the path or teaching players how to go about the obstacles. In using directive leadership, coach plans for what players are going to do (Farhan, B. Y. 2018). Sets standards and show them how to complete tasks. Incorporating supportive leadership, a coach tries to make players feel supported, cared for, and respected. This is done by interacting with the players. Using participative leadership, the coach becomes part of them. He or she goes through the training with the players and includes the players in decision making. A coach can use achievement leadership that challenges the players to strive towards hive levels of results. The coach has to be there to support the team when the goals are set and put the team to challenge.
REFERENCES
Alanazi, T. R., Alharthey, B. K., & Rasli, A. (2013). Overview of path-goal leadership theory. Sains Humanika, 64(2).
Farhan, B. Y. (2018). Application of path-goal leadership theory and learning theory in a learning organization. Journal of Applied Business Research (JABR), 34(1), 13-22.
