House’s Path-goal Theory
Robert House developed the path-goal theory, a situational model of leadership that aims to predict the effectiveness of leaders in various situations. This theory suggests that leaders can optimize their effectiveness by influencing their subordinates’ perceptions of the path to achieving goals and their satisfaction of needs. The theory’s central idea is that leaders have a responsibility to clarify goals, remove obstacles, and provide guidance, support, and rewards to facilitate the achievement of these goals.
The term “path-goal” signifies the leader’s role in smoothing the path towards work goals and offering rewards as incentives for their accomplishment. The theory emphasizes how leaders influence their subordinates’ perceptions of three important factors: valence, instrumentality, and expectancy. Valence refers to the value or desirability that individuals place on the rewards associated with goal attainment. Instrumentality is the belief that a certain level of performance will lead to desired outcomes, while expectancy is the belief that efforts directed toward goal achievement will result in successful performance.