Path goal

Path goal is a motivational approach where leaders influence employees to meet a goal and then determine the path employees would take to reach that specific goal. The approach offers leaders a method to provide the best course of action towards achieving performance goals. Leaders can choose to create a culture of motivating characteristics based on recognizing situational factors. Managers who practice this performance theory methodology makes the paths obvious towards the specific goals and works to remove obstacles to performance.

I recommend: Visit Blacks Academy for a description of Path goal theory. Shvoong.com discusses House's theory for an in-depth understanding of this motivational leadership approach.

Situational leadership

Situational leadership is a performance and motivational theoretical approach that offers guidance to organizational leaders as they manage workplace staff. The manager observes work related situational indicators to help select the appropriate leadership style in response to the cues. This behavior provides the worker with a clear set of directions via delegating specific tasks, telling or showing each step or one-on-one coaching to achieve success.

I recommend: Scribd.com defines this key term within the context of House's theory. Center for Leadership Studies offers additional information about situational leadership.

Directive leadership

House's management theory refers to this style as that which furnishes highly-structured guidance to an employee on the method to use and perform a job-related task. This method works well to create a sense of job satisfaction with inexperienced or new employees.

I recommend: Visit Management Issues to review a definition of directive leadership style.

Achievement-oriented leadership

When a leader sets high goals and expects the staff to show high-level performance, they're engaging in achievement-oriented leadership style. This type is helpful when an organization is making a transition or significant turnaround.

I recommend: Review Stewart Associates' site and scroll down the page for a practical explanation and model on achievement-oriented leadership.

Participative leadership

House defines this type of leader as one who consults with workers and encourages their suggestions and input. The participative leadership style is best when the employee is highly experienced in the field of employment and their input is a necessary part of job performance.

I recommend: Suite 101.com provides a thorough explanation of participative leadership style.

Supportive leadership

Organizational managers who employ this leadership style convey the importance of offering sincere concern for their employees and performance related goals. Supportive managers use this type of style to create a sense of "team" in an environment with highly stressful work-related responsibilities.

I recommend: Changing Minds.org offers the definition of supportive leadership style.