OPPapers.com

Situational Leadership Lewis

Path Goal Theory

The Path-Goal Theory describes the mechanisms that leaders utilize to encourage and support their followers. Leaders provide varying degrees of support in order for followers to meet their goals. They should provide a clear path so followers know the objectives and tasks associated with those objectives, identify and/or remove obstacles that are interfering with their tasks, and provide rewards for meeting certain milestones, meeting a particular task or by fulfilling all tasks that are associated with a particular goal.

The degree by which a leader with aid the follower is govern by several factors that include the followers capability or motivation, the difficulty of the task, or even by leaders time restraints. Different leadership styles identified by House and Mitchell (1974) show similar characteristics to the situational leadership styles.

The case study of Jeanne Lewis at Staples (2000) emphasizes at least three different leadership styles while managing subordinates. They were directive, supportive, and authoritative.

Jeanne Lewis’ first opportunity to demonstrate her leadership style arose when she became the Director of Operations for Staples’ New England stores in 1994. They were demonstrating lackluster performance and Lewis was the person designated to turn it around. “Lewis went straight to work, made tough choices, and replaced 25 store associates in a 12-month period. Her new team set aggressive store standards, launched training programs, and rejuvenated performances.” The leadership style that best illustrates this approach to management is the achievement oriented style. It is particularly useful when goals are challenging and when high standards are required and achieved. Its often is suggestive of a higher level of responsibility because goals are more challenging and complex.

The directive leadership style that dictates what, when, and how tasks need to be performed, and their associated schedule....