Dangers and Benefits of Path-Goal Leadership Theory in Political Figures

Estelle Johnson

Introduction

The Path-Goal Leadership Theory theorizes that certain leaders are responsible for motivation – specifically, their subordinates. This leadership style aims to achieve miscellaneous goals by adapting their style to the problem situation. Subordinate characteristics and environmental factors play into the evolution of leadership style. Once a leadership style is selected, leaders can focus on increasing motivation and organizational factors.

In the political world, Path-Goal Leadership is used heavily. Political leaders take advantage of different leadership styles – and typically, alter their leadership style based on what party or organization they support. Beyond Path-Goal leadership styles, many political figures practice a directive style of leadership. This informs followers/voters that the task to be completed is complex – but the completion of the task will occur, under the leadership of the party or politician. This can be dangerous and have its own set of benefits.

The dangers can consist of blind following of leaders, causing political tribalism. According to Redmond (2022), political tribalism encourages all political parties to stereotype, discriminate against, segregate themselves from, dehumanize, and even wish or inflict violence upon their political opponents (p. 10). Benefits of path-goal leadership theory include taking information from voters (in the case of politicians) in order to make a thoughtful vote on a bill. Looking at the background of path-goal theory and leadership comparison, dangers and benefits of the theory will be accurately acknowledged in political figures.

Background

Political figures are seen as leaders of the countries or regions they are elected to. The candidates that are voted in are voted in by their communities, meaning that their existence is based on serving those who they represent. Path-goal theory is noted as being responsible for motivation and completion of goals, this theory can also be seen as a way for political figures to adapt their style to the situation — positivelty or negatively. Voters should be aware of the leadership theory, and how their polilitcal candidate practices it during their campaigns and service. Understanding how polticial candidates fit motifs can help a voter make a decision.

Moreover, it increases the need for voters to do research on their candidates prior to casting their ballot, regarding their policies for handling forgein conflict. According to Pierson and Schickler (2024), partisan rancor has become a defining feature of American politics, and often, parties greet one another with hostility and fear. In Washington and many state capitals, politics has devolved into a zero-sum conflict. Constituents and politicians find themselves increasingly detached from long-standing norms, and focused on sustaining partisan advantage (p. 7). Path-goal leadership theory can provide an opportunity for politicians to vote on bills based on the opinion of their communities.

Leadership Comparison

According to Fabac, et. al., the path-goal theory is one of the most significant approaches to leadership in the frame of contingency theories. Contingency and situational theories are valuable for recommending what leaders must or must not do in defined situations (p. 1). Not only should leaders compare their leadership styles to one another, but voters should take note of the differences between them, and their willingness to accept other political ideals — for the sake of their country and communities. While each leader has their own leadership style, it is important that politicians lead in a way that promotes a positive path-goal relationship with their constituents, for the benefit of their country. Pierson and Schickler (2024) found that self-reinforcing dynamics are particularly intense within the Republican Party, and developments in the GOP are particularly damaging to democratic stability (p. 9).

Conclusion

The dangers and benefits of path-goal leadership in politicians impact the entire government. If politicians choose to make decisions knowing that it can harm people in their communities, their influence may be negative on those they serve. Though, dangers come down to individuals personal beliefs on what is best for the economy of their state. Different opinions on tax cuts and healthcare are seen throughout government — but, problems can be solved if politicians follow a path-goal leadership, aiming to make their country better. Political figures make the decisions for our country, and they are responsible for leading in a way that benefits their party and voters. This can end up being negative to those who oppose the beliefs.

Discussion Questions

• The Path-Goal Leadership Theory theorizes that certain leaders are responsible for motivation – specifically, their subordinates. How do you think political figures use path-goal theory to motivate?
• If a person does not trust the leader, how can that impact the path-goal leadership style?

• Think about conflicts in the workplace.

• Political figures hold a lot of power — how does the path-goal leadership theory help them responsibly and ethically use said power?

References

Fabac, Robert, Karolina Kokot, and Irena Bubalo. “Path-Goal Theory – Leadership Styles and Their Changes during Covid-19 Pandemic.” Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems 20.4 (2022): 349–374. Web.

Pierson, P., & Schickler, E. (2024). Partisan nation: The dangerous new logic of american politics in a nationalized era. University of Chicago Press.

Timothy J. Redmond. (2022). Political Tribalism in America : How Hyper-Partisanship Dumbs Down Democracy and How to Fix It. McFarland.

License

This case study is licensed CC BY 4.0.