Mgt 521 Week 5 - Path-Goal Theory

The Path-Goal theory is a leadership theory that concentrates on developing a precise path to achieve goals. This theory “holds that the effective leader makes available to followers desirable rewards in the workplace and increases their motivation by clarifying the paths, or behavior, that will help them achieve those goals and providing them with support” (Kinicki & Williams, 2015, Chapter 14). The behavior of a leader is contingent to the motivation, performance and satisfaction of employees.

As a competitive cheer coach, the Path-Goal theory can be applied with the cheer team. The team consists of coaches and cheerleaders. Each member contributes a different function to the team. Everyone on the team must be aware of their routine, have encouragement to play their position to win competitions, sense the coach’s dedication and possess the support of others to be able to perform above their best. There are different routine methods and stunts that can allow the cheerleaders to win a competition. Dependent upon the circumstances, the cheerleaders can execute every move on point, or their pyramid could collapse. This is similar to how the Path-Goal leadership theory works. There are different methods to leading a team, just as there are different methods of winning competitions.

The coach utilizes various styles of leadership with different cheerleaders. The coach provides directives by allocating certain expectation, stunts and techniques to individuals and to the team, such as directive leadership. The coach provides the cheerleaders with directives while managing or instructing from the sidelines. Certain cheerleaders, such as the flyers, may be instructed to be positioned at a certain spot to be picked up and thrown into the air. She might also be instructed to where to run and perform a back-hand spring. The other cheerleaders, such as the bases, may be instructed to stand in a certain spot to throw and catch the flyers. Irrespective of the cheerleaders’ position, each girl is expected to execute their routine in accordance to the coach’s expectations.