Question

Situational leadership theories grew out of an attempt to explain the inconsistent findings about traits and styles. Situational theories propose that the effectiveness of a particular style of leader behavior depends on the situation. One situational leadership theory is the Path-Goal Theory. This activity is important because successful leaders should understand the different ways they can clarify the paths that will help followers achieve their goals. The goal of this exercise is to challenge your knowledge of the eight leadership styles in the revised path-goal theory. Select the appropriate path-goal leader behavior for each scenario.

1. Supportive behaviors
2. Path-goal clarifying behaviors
3. Value-based behaviors
4. Work facilitation behaviors
5. Representation and networking behaviors
6. Achievement- oriented behaviors
7. Interaction facilitation behaviors
8. Group-oriented decision-making behaviors
A. Your boss gives regular guidance and feedback to employees during quarterly reviews.
B. Your supervisor just gave you a tremendous work opportunity that you aren't sure you are ready for. She reminds you that although she understands this position will be challenging, she's confident that you will rise to the occasion.
C. You are the unofficial coordinator and mentor at work. You schedule, organize, coach, and provide guidance to employees.
D. Your new boss has an open-door policy and is very approachable and willing to help his employees whenever they need assistance.
E. Your boss has a unique ability to involve everyone in team discussions and reconcile personal differences among the members.
F. Your new boss is using data she collected from you and your coworkers to help her to set goals collectively with all of you on the team.
G. You've volunteered to represent your organization at an upcoming career fair at the local university.
H. Part of your supervisor's success as a leader is due to his ability to create a compelling vision and communicate it in a way that inspires the employees.

Answer 1

A. Your boss gives regular guidance and feedback to employees during quarterly reviews.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Path-goal clarifying behaviors

B. Your supervisor just gave you a tremendous work opportunity that you aren't sure you are ready for. She reminds you that although she understands this position will be challenging, she's confident that you will rise to the occasion.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Achievement-oriented behaviors

C. You are the unofficial coordinator and mentor at work. You schedule, organize, coach, and provide guidance to employees.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Work facilitation behaviors

D. Your new boss has an open-door policy and is very approachable and willing to help his employees whenever they need assistance.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Supportive behaviors

E. Your boss has a unique ability to involve everyone in team discussions and reconcile personal differences among the members.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Interaction facilitation behaviors

F. Your new boss is using data she collected from you and your coworkers to help her to set goals collectively with all of you on the team.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Group-oriented decision-making behaviors

G. You've volunteered to represent your organization at an upcoming career fair at the local university.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Representation and networking behaviors

H. Part of your supervisor's success as a leader is due to his ability to create a compelling vision and communicate it in a way that inspires the employees.

Appropriate path-goal leader behavior: Value-based behaviors