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Path-Goal Theory And The Leadership Behavior Of Jeanne Lewis

Path-Goal Theory and the Leadership Behavior of Jeanne Lewis

Tonyi L Crandell

Western Governors University

Case 2

Abstract
This essay defines the path-goal theory and how leadership roles are defined within the theory. Complex leadership behavioral concepts such as Supportive Leadership, Directive Leadership, and Incorrect Reward Leadership were used by Jeanne Lewis, as a tool to meet organizational and follower needs. I will describe in detail at least three leadership behaviors Lewis used with her employees, give three examples of Lewis’s leadership behavior in relation to the Path-Goal Theory, identify three behaviors of employees in response to Lewis’s leadership styles, and extrapolate upon the dynamics of employee behavior in reference to the Path-Goal Theory.

Path-Goal Theory and the Leadership Behavior of Jeanne Lewis

Leader behavior defines the working environment. The Path-Goal Theory seeks to make apparent and attractive organizational goals via leader behavior. The theory states that organizational goals can be met if leader behavior is effective. So, it is reasonable to suggest that if a leader’s behavior sets forth clear, consistent, and attainable goals, then a follower will According to Robert House, there are leadership behaviors that initiate positive follower responsiveness. One such example of the Path-Goal Theory as a strategy for influencing behavior is in the Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc., case study (2000). In this specific case, Lewis used at least three preferred leader behaviors while managing employees.
The first opportunity Lewis had to show off her leadership skills happened when Lewis became the director of operations for the Staples stores in New England. Those stores were not performing as well as Staples executives had anticipated, and they believed that Lewis was the person who could turn it all around. In this example, Lewis used Directive Leadership. Research by House and Mitchell (2000) show that...