Path-Goal Theory, Why Is Daniel An Effective Leader?

Direction for Some, Support for Others – Case 7:2

According to the path-goal theory, why is Daniel an effective leader?

Path-goal focuses on job performance and satisfaction by focusing on what motivates the employee (Northouse, 2013). The relationship between the leader’s style, work setting and the characteristics of the employee are central in path-goal theory. Daniel is an effective leader because he changes his style (Gupta, 2009)of management and leadership based on the group of employees he is working with.

Most of the employees in the copy department are part-time college students and many of the tasks are redundant or repetitive so Dan places an emphasis on the work environment, allowing the employees to dress casual, offering flexible

Dan’s part-time employees seem to appreciate his supportive approach. Dan understands that the number one priority of the college students is to be a successful students. Providing flexible work schedules allows students to work and go to class. Dan also understands that many of these students are away from family and friends and need a place where they feel cared for, welcomed, and accepted. Students speak of how The Copy Center becomes like a second family to them.

The desktop publishing employees possess some unique job skills, are much more self-confident and independent. They need less supervision and want to be left alone to do their job. Dan uses a much more hands-off approach and steps in only when an employee is struggling with a particular job or task.

One of the principles of path-goal theory is to make the end goal valuable to workers. What could Daniel do to improve subordinate motivation in this area?

Because different employees are motivated by different things, Dan will also need to use different methods of motivating his employees. Ashim (2009) refers to several things that Dan could do to improve employee motivation. They