Leadership Styles Goals Theory

Path Goal Theory:

Decision-making test results:

After completing the ‘decision-making style test’ I found out that I am a “spontaneous/external decision maker” (Kent State University, 2015). This means, that I have a preference to make decisions quickly and based on what I feel is right (Kent State University, 2015). I often change my goals easily due to new preferences, hence why I will take risks and rarely construct a specific plan in regards to decision-making (Kent State University, 2015). The external components of my decision-making style include the preference to think after talking, thinking about decisions out loud, and consulting with others prior to making a decision (Kent State University, 2015).

Completing this test was a fun, and informative learning experience for myself. I have completed the MBTI assessment in my Human Relations course to get a better understanding of my personality type. I found this test to be similar, as I got to learn more about my decision-making style. I do believe the test should have been longer though, as the results may have varied due to this. For the most part, I do believe I am a spontaneous/external decision maker, however this also depends on the type of decision I am making. If I am making a serious decision which impacts my life drastically, I do not rush myself and think it through thoroughly before taking the final step.

What is path-goal theory?

The path-goal theory which was developed by psychologist Robert House states “that a leader can affect the performance, satisfaction, and motivation of a group by: offering rewards for achieving performance goals, clarifying paths towards these goals, [and] removing obstacles to performance” (House, 1971). Northouse’s simple version of this means “path-goal theory is about how leaders motivate followers to accomplish designated goals” (Northouse, 2016, p. 115). “The path-goal theory explains how a leader can provide support to subordinates on the path to goals...