Northouse, Leadership: Theory and Practice, Seventh Edition: Instructor Resource
Chapter 6 – Path-Goal Theory
Discussion Questions and Exercises
1. What is the underlying assumption of expectancy theory? How does this pose a challenge for
the leader?
2. In brief, what is path-goal theory designed to explain?
3. Identify four leadership styles associated with path-goal theory. Explain each style and relate it
to styles described in other theories. Can leaders exhibit more than one style?
6. Complete the Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire. What style do you tend to rely on most?
Least? Tell a story that shows how your behavior in one situation illustrated your most common
7. Is path-goal theory useful for deciding how to teach a college class? In what ways is an
academic setting different from a work setting? How would you assess the follower
characteristics and task characteristics of your class?
8. The four leader styles are described as static categories. Path–goal theory doesn’t explain how
a person learns or develops a leadership style. Are there stages to leadership development?
9. What is the follower’s role in path-goal theory?
10. Should a leader adapt his or her style to each individual, or to the work group as a whole?
11. Based on the four follower characteristics, when is achievement-oriented leadership
prescribed?
13. Apply path-goal theory to a work group you are currently in. How well does the leader’s style
match the follower characteristics and task characteristics of your work group?