Reference Articles

Motivation Theories

Path-Goal Theory

Journal Articles

Article 1: Konradt, U. (2014). Toward a theory of dispersed leadership in teams: Model, findings, and directions for future research. Leadership 10(3), 289-307.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. Describe how the structural type of leadership (task, organizational structures, and customers) is similar to the task and follower characteristics in path–goal theory.
2. Which leader behaviors in the interactional leadership type are similar to the leader behaviors used in path-goal leadership?
3. How does this article describe similarities in path-goal leadership concepts to situational leadership concepts?

*a. Answers vary.

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Article 2: Oostlander, J., Guntert, S. T., van Schie, S. and Wehner, T. (2014). Leadership and volunteer motivation: A study using self-determination theory. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly 43(5), 869-889.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. How is the achievement-oriented leader behavior in path-goal theory similar to autonomy-supportive leadership described in this article?
2. Follower motivation is a central component of path-goal theory.  What does this article say about autonomy-supportive and controlling behaviors’ effect on follower motivation?
3. If you are a leader of a follower who is displaying autonomous motivation and working on a task that is complex and unclear, what path-goal leader behavior should you use and why?

*a. Answers vary.

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Article 3: Helland, M.R. and Winston, B.E. (2005). Towards a deeper understanding of hope and leadership. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies 12(2), 43-54.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. How does hope influence motivation?
2. Describe how hope and goal setting/pursuit fits with the main concepts of path-goal theory.
3. Individuals with high levels of hope are likely to possess which subordinate characteristic(s) in the path-goal theory. Explain your answer.

*a. Answers vary.

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Article 4: Moss, S.A. and Ritossa, D.A. (2007). The impact of goal orientation on the association between leadership style and follower performance, creativity and work attitudes. Leadership 3(4), 433-456.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. Path-goal theory focuses on subordinate motivation to achieve productivity and goal fulfillment. How does the person system interaction theory help you understand motivation and goal orientation?
2. Hypothesis 2 in the article looks at inspirational motivation (from transformational leadership) and performance orientation.  Describe the results of the study related to Hypothesis 2.  Include in your description what these results mean related to path-goal theory concepts.
3. Describe at least two ways that path-goal theory and transformational leadership are similar in terms of goal orientation, productivity and motivation.

*a. Answers vary.

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Article 5: Jha, S. (2010). Need for growth, achievement, power and affiliation: Determinants of psychological empowerment. Global Business Review 11(3), 379-393.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. What subordinate characteristics correlate with the motivational needs described in this article (need for growth, achievement, power and affiliation)? Explain why you chose each characteristic and which motivational need to which it correlates.
2. Describe psychological empowerment in terms of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation.
3. What were the results of this study in terms of correlations between the four motivational needs and empowerment?

*a. Answers vary.

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Article 6: Seltzer, J. and Smither, J.W. (1995). A role-play exercise to introduce students to path-goal leadership theory. Journal of Management Education 19(3), 380-391.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. Describe how expectancy theory of motivation informed the development of the path-goal theory.
2. How would you describe to new employees you supervise why you may be using different leadership styles with each of them?
3. Do you enjoy doing role-play scenarios in the classroom? Why or why not? If done well, what value does role-play practice have in helping you understand leadership theories?

*a. Answers vary.