Overview of Path-Goal Leadership Theory

Abstract

The role of leadership is very important, and it can affect the ecology of their organizations, business and employees. Effective Leadership can affect the subordinate satisfaction, motivation and performance. This study focuses on Path-Goal theory which is categorized under contingency approach. The theory proposed that the behavior of leaderships can be exercised in different situations and times by the same leader. Many studies have been conducted to test and verify the theory. In spite of the appealing nature of the path-goal theory, the empirical tests were difficult. The different ways for constructing the theory explain clearly some of the contradictions in theory testing. However, the fundamental empirical researches conducted to test the path-goal theory have proposed a necessity for further refinement for the path-goal theory.