Assignment: Contingency Theory and Path Goal Theory

Contingency Theory, somewhat like the Situational Approach, focuses on both the leader and the situation the leader is in. It gets its name from the fact that the appropriate leadership style is contingent upon the situation the leader faces. A great deal of research supports Contingency Theory and it is effective at predicting successful leadership.

Path-Goal Theory is a type of Contingency Theory because its effectiveness depends on the match between a leader's behavior, the task at hand, and the characteristics of the subordinates. Path-Goal Theory basically states that employees can be motivated if they believe their work will reap rewards.

As you begin this Discussion, think about the relationship between Path-Goal Theory and Contingency Theory. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of these theories and their impact on subordinate behavior. Review the Leader Behaviors described in the course text, Leadership: Theory and Practice. Find an article that discusses leadership behavior.

Post a description of the leadership behavior in the article you found. Describe how this behavior impacted or might impact subordinates. Analyze the relationship of Path-Goal Theory and Contingency Theory with the leadership behavior described in your article. Explain how the strengths and weaknesses of these theories are illustrated in the article.

Note: Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues' postings.

Respond by Day 7 to at least three of your colleagues' postings in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question.
Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.
Offer and support an opinion.
Validate an idea with your own experience.
Make a suggestion.