Path Goal Theory and Expectancy Theory – Supportive Arguments from ‘We Are Marshall’

1671 Words7 Pages
Abstract This paper talks about different leadership behaviors included in the path goal theory and the different motivational relationships. These theories are explained with several examples from the movie ‘We are Marshall’. Path Goal Theory According to path goal theory, leaders engage in different types of behavior to assist followers in attaining goals and to provide the direction and support needed to ensure that their goals are compatible with the organization’s goals. A leader’s behavior is acceptable to subordinates when viewed as a source of satisfaction and motivational when need satisfaction is contingent on performance, and the leader facilitates, coaches, and rewards effective performance. The original path-goal theory identifies achievement-oriented, directive, participative, and supportive leader behaviors: 1. Directive leadership: Specific advice is given to the group and ground rules and structure are established. For example, clarifying expectations, specifying or assigning certain work tasks to be followed. Directive behavior is suited to uncertain and ambiguous situations. Example 1 – Coach Jack Lengyel and assistant coach Red Dawson had a huge task ahead of them to bring up a football team that can perform in that year’s football series. With a team primarily of young and inexperienced freshmen, they adopted the directive behavior to bring up the team. Specific instructions were provided to the team members as to how to tackle or how to break into the defense team of the opponent etc. They also picked up the Quarterback of the team and provided him with specific assignment. Example 2 – The entire town was in a stage of distress and a lot of ambiguity existed as to how to address the question about the next season’s football team after the loss of 75 people in the plane crash. Nate Ruffin rises to the occasion and directs his

More about Path Goal Theory and Expectancy Theory – Supportive Arguments from ‘We Are Marshall’

Open Document