ABSTRACT
Path-goal theory centers on an assortment of leadership behaviors used to motivate employees to accomplish desired goals. It is paramount that path-goal leaders be insightful; self-confident; sociable; highly intuitive; and able to evaluate and interpret the skills, proficiencies, and dispositions of employees. Within the constructs of the path-goal theory, leaders utilize one of four leadership styles (directive, supportive, participative, achievement oriented) to motivate and create pathways for goal attainment. Path-goal leaders may also integrate the participative leadership style in which they encourage employees to engage in the decision-making process. Path-goal theory seeks to create positive alignment between the employee and the leadership style undertaken by the leader. Path-goal leaders are known for assessing organizational landscapes and people and using specific leadership approaches to motivate employees to meet desired goals. Two internal consistency estimates were employed to examine the reliability of the path-goal leadership inventory: split-half coefficient and coefficient alpha.
