Path-Goal Theory
Leaders help group members to receive rewards by identifying ways to achieve goals and removing obstacles to improve efficiency. They do this by providing information, support, and other resources that employees need to complete the task. This model constantly reminds managers that their primary task as leaders is to assist subordinates in setting goals and then to assist in completing tasks most efficiently and effectively. This theory is a guideline for managers in increasing the degree of satisfaction of subordinates and the level of productivity. With low team coherence, it is necessary to use a supportive leadership style. In situations where there are norms focused on the performance of specific tasks by the team, a directive style or, possibly, an achievement-oriented style will be the most effective.
Rationale
Mr. Smith is a reasonably competent and experienced manager. This is due to the organization’s atmosphere, which determines the effective interaction between all its levels (Olowoselu, 2019). Based on experience, it is possible to decide which means of influence and behavioral styles have shown themselves to be the most effective for directing people’s efforts to achieve the organization’s goals.
Literature Review
According to the theory, the above leadership styles are not mutually exclusive, and leaders can choose more than one management style suitable for a particular situation (Olowoselu, 2019). The system states that each leadership style described above will be effective only in situations of one type but not in others.
Description of Case Subject
Based on the conducted interview, several leadership qualities and merits can be distinguished. First of all, it is necessary to note Mr. Smith’s ability to interact with employees competently. This is determined by the ability of the manager to listen, make certain adjustments and perceive the tasks of employees at the right level. Thanks to this, an intelligent system of interaction between all levels of the organization is being built. Thus, all this undoubtedly contributes to its successful functioning.
Discussion
Three factors forming the theory of leadership under consideration can influence the effectiveness of the chosen leadership style in several directions. For example, highly structured tasks do not require excessively directive management from the leader. At the same time, in a company with a rigid hierarchy of power, a directive leader may be more effective than a leader who seeks to attract subordinates to participate in management (Olowoselu, 2019). In general, within the framework of the appropriate leadership style, the interaction of the characteristics of followers and organizational factors that influence the perception of followers’ motivation is carried out.
What I learned about the target theory based on the case subject’s experience
Based on Mr. Smith’s experience, it can be determined that subordinates will favorably perceive and follow the leader only to the extent that they evaluate him as a person who helps them achieve meaningful goals. Effective leaders explain to their subordinates what they need to do to get from where they are to where they need to be and help them do it. Moreover, from the experience of the subject of the task, it becomes clear that the manager can encourage subordinates to achieve the organization’s goals by influencing the ways to achieve these goals. The leader can also make the path to this benefit easier by explaining the means to achieve it, removing obstacles and traps, and increasing opportunities for personal satisfaction on the way to benefit.
Reference
Olowoselu, A. (2019). Path-Goal theory and the application in educational management and leadership. Education Quarterly Reviews, 2(2), 448–455.