Review Questions

  1. What researchers are most associated with path–goal theory?
  2. What are the assumptions of expectancy theory and how do they undergird path–goal theory?
  3. Explain each of the four leader behaviors considered in path–goal theory.
  4. Identify the follower characteristics that influence how workers interpret a leader’s behavior.
  5. How does each follower characteristic affect that interpretation?
  6. Identify the task characteristics that influence how workers interpret a leader’s behavior.
  7. How does each task characteristic affect how the leader’s behavior influences motivation?
  8. Explain the conditions under which each of the four leadership styles is optimally used.
  9. How does a leader’s communication style affect follower satisfaction?
  10. What are strengths of path–goal theory?
  11. What are criticisms of path–goal theory?
  12. How does path–goal theory fit with the four components of leadership (process, influence, groups, and common goals)?