Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publishing, 2022
Class Activities
Chapter 6: Path–Goal Theory
Activities
These activities may be used in either small-group or large-group settings, depending on class size and
time available. Some may also be suitable for homework assignments or preparation for a “Flipped
Path–Goal Leadership Questionnaire
Have students complete the Path–Goal Leadership Questionnaire individually and share their results in
small groups. Compile a master list showing the range of scores for each of the path–goal leadership
Case Analysis
Assign each case to one or more small groups for in-class analysis and discussion. Each small group
should then report back to the entire class about the results of its group work.
Develop a Case Study
Develop a path–goal case study based on the actual experiences of a student leader on campus.
(Students can refer to their own experiences or interview friends in leadership roles.) What was the
Team Learning
The jigsaw method of team learning is effective for teaching complex material and for engaging students
(McKeachie, 1999). Topics are assigned to small groups of students who pool their knowledge and
become “experts”. Instead of presenting their findings to the entire class, each member of the team
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publishing, 2022
meets with a representative from each of the other groups. In the newly formed groups, each member
is responsible for teaching the others what his/her group learned.
Topics for path–goal:
• Explain the four different leader behaviors. In what situations is each style called for?
• Explain the four follower characteristics that determine how a leader’s behavior will be
Data Collection
Have students interview five friends about their motivations at work. What do they hope to get out of
work? What motivates them to give their best effort? How capable do they think they are of performing
their work? What rewards do they value? When do they feel their effort has been worthwhile? Students
should report back to class and compile the results, generating a master list of responses to the
Student Teaching
At this point in the term the instructor may wish to invite students to team-teach a portion of the class
(or several classes). Using the path–goal model, students can be assigned to: (a) determine their
Virtual Leadership
Discuss in class how the path–goal approach could be used in a virtual team. How would a leader assess
subordinate characteristics? Task characteristics? Learn what the obstacles are? How would the four
types of leadership behaviors be expressed on screen or by phone?
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publishing, 2022
Gender and Leadership
Assign students to bring in examples of well-known male and female leaders using each of the four
leadership behaviors. These can be professional athletes, political leaders, business leaders, and so on.
Locus of Control
There are several academic as well as popular resources online to assess the personality construct of
locus of control. After reading up on this construct, instructors can provide a mini lecture on its uses for
Writing Assignments
Contemporary Leadership
Have students write a 2–3-page reaction paper about a contemporary leadership situation with which
they are familiar. Their analysis should indicate what they would guess to be the path–goal leadership
Path–Goal Leadership Questionnaire
Have students write a 2–3-page reaction paper that explains their path–goal leadership style, describes
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publishing, 2022
Short Dialogue
Have students write a 2–3-page dialogue between a path–goal researcher and a contingency theory
Interview a Leader
Have students interview a leader about his/her leadership style. How does he or she define leadership?
What contributes to effective leadership? How does the leader help followers accomplish their goals?
One-Minute Paper Topics
How would you rate yourself on “desire for control”?
Internet Activities
Internet #1: Class Blog
In your class blog or chat room, write about some of the discussion questions provided in this chapter.
Some additional questions are suggested here:
• How does an online work environment affect a leader’s assessment of subordinate
characteristics?
Internet #2: Web Search
This can be done as an individual or a group assignment. Go online to a business magazine home page
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publishing, 2022