Path-Goal as a Theory in Leadership - Case Study Example

? Leadership Leadership Question one Path-Goal is a theory in leadership that stipulates how leaders should support and encourage their subordinates to achieve the institutions goals by ensuring the path in which their employees and follower should take, is easy and clarified. This theory encourages leaders to make sure that there are no roadblocks that might hinder their subordinates from realizing both their goals and those of the organization. It also dictates that leaders should incorporate rewards as their employees continue to reach the organizations goal. Finally, leaders should clarify what path subordinates are expected to pursue in order for them to know what is required of them. Approach of this theory hugely depends on the situation the leadership faces. For example, giving rewards greatly depends on whether the organization is in a financial situation to give such gifts and prizes. As a result, this theory categorizes leadership into four styles which are, Achievement oriented, Directive, supportive and participative leadership. Supportive leadership involves the leader concentrating on his followers’ or subordinate’s needs by being concerned on their welfare. This creates a working environment which is friendly by making their subordinates to feel that their work is interesting. This should be often applied in situations where work is extremely dangerous, boring or stressful. Directive leadership entails leaders instructing their subordinates on what is expected of them giving them guidance often. The leader should schedule work for their subordinates allocating time for each activity. This type of leadership is often applied in working areas where workers are inexperienced or the task expected of them is very complex. Participative leadership is where views of the subordinates are taken into account and they are consulted when it comes to decision making. This leadership is usually found in environments where subordinates are professionals and experts. Finally, in participative leadership the leader sets goals for their subordinates in both self- improvement and their work combined into one goal. The leaders usually make it known to his or her subordinates of their faith in them succeeding. This approach of leadership is usually applied in situations where the task which is expected of the subordinates is complex. As a principle the path goal theory can be very instrumental in ensuring the academic success of the students. I will hold weekly staff meetings to encourage teachers to formulate goals on which they will ensure that by the time the weekends, a specific section of the curriculum will have been met. I will also encourage teachers to ensure that they should consider teaching a service the community and not just a means of earning a live. By teaching their students well they will ensure that the students have a great future as a result of the education they get from their teachers. I expect this application of the theory to work because it stipulates other employee motivation concepts that do not involve the use of money. This will help a lot because the school is in no financial position to motivate teachers using methods that require extra money. Question two In order to ensure that the school is succeeding academically as a principle, I must ensure that the teachers are motivated in other ways since the school cannot afford to motivate teachers using the normal motivation techniques such bonuses, gifts and prizes. To do so I should incorporate the goal setting theory of motivation. This is a theory stipulates that setting of goals is majorly associated with task performance. In the theory, goals which are challenging and specific greatly result in task performance that is higher and better. When combined with feedback from subordinates, it ensures that organizations meet their goals. The theory simply implies that goals usually direct and indicate to an employee the direction which an organization wants to allow in order to ensure that the establishments goal is realized. The theory is characterized by clear and specific, goals set are challenging and realistic, there is a lot of participation from employees when it comes to setting of goals. Lastly the theory is characterized by the fact that it results in Goal commitment and self efficiency. However, the theory is faced by a number of limitations. Firstly, it is very tough to prove that the goals set do result in employees being contented with in jobs. This is because a company achieving it goals does not necessarily mean that employees are satisfied with their jobs and it is hard to determine. Another limitation is the fact that goals that are very complex can often result in subordinates being scared of afraid of working. Finally, this theory is limited by the fact that goals formulated by leaders and their employees are usually not managerial goals in the organization. This usually results in goal conflicts which usually confuses the workers. This theory can be used to increase motivation of teachers by formulating academic targets and goals with the help of some teachers who will represent the entire teaching staff. This will help in making the teachers feel that they working to attain goals that they have set for themselves. Another way the theory can be applied in the school is by setting curriculum goals that are both challenging and realistic. For example, we can ask the teachers to ensure that by midterm all classes must have covered the entire syllabus and what should remain is revisions and class projects. Finally, the theory can be applied to increase teachers’ motivation by setting goals that increase the self confidence and determination of the teachers. This will ensure that the teachers are motivated because teachers will always believe in themselves hence they are sure that they can meet the goals set by the school. I expect this theory to work in ensuring that the teachers are motivated because it increases subordinate competition since each teacher will have the urge to reach the goals set by the school first in order to get recognition from the other teachers. The theory will also work because it ensures performance is increased by increasing commitment which will directly result in the teachers being motivated. Read More