When I read the fundamentals of Path-Goal theory, I think of good parenthood or parents who are “sufficiently demanding and appropriately responsive” (Authoritative, 2013). Psychologists and other experts recommend the authoritative style of parenthood as the best (Siegler, 2006). Some of its characteristics remind me of the Path-Goal theory.
The Path Goal theory considers that leaders need to adapt to their followers’ needs to help them succeed and accomplish their goals (Northouse, 2013, p.137-159). In the same way, authoritative parents are concerned about their children’s needs and desires. In contrast, authoritarian parents – another parenthood style – demand but do not respond or listen to their children’s input. Authoritative parents, on the contrary, do take in consideration children’s opinions when they think it is appropriate to do so (Authoritative, 2013). Similarly, the participative leadership behavior of the Path Goal theory integrates followers’ opinions to the decision-making equation, and they use it at the appropriate time.
As previously mentioned, authoritative parents are “sufficiently demanding and appropriately responsive” (Authoritative, 2013). In a similar way, the Path-Goal theory points out that leaders should be supportive or achievement-oriented, as the task or the subordinates characteristics would demand (Northouse, 2013, p.137-159). Supportive leadership provides emotional support, listening, and attending human needs. Achievement-oriented leaders challenge followers and push subordinates to offer the best of themselves. But it will all depend on the tasks to confront and the characteristics of the subordinates. According to the theory, for example, followers who have a considerable need for affiliation will opt for a supportive leadership as a source of satisfaction. Others, with a more authoritarian and dogmatic character will prefer a directive leadership, especially in uncertain situations (Northouse, 2013, p.137-159). In the same way, some parents seem to intuitively understand when to adapt their behavior to the situation placing limits, or becoming more nurturing, as the circumstance requires. Those are the authoritative parents.
Good parents know when to back off and allow their children to be and act with more freedom by which they also feel empowered (Authoritative, 2013; Siegler, 2006). According to the Path-Goal theory, as followers gain confidence, they will become more independent and will need less assistance (Northouse, 2013, p.137-159). Path-Goal leadership theory says that this will be achieved by making subordinates’ path clear, and removing obstacles, which at the end will increase their motivation. Authoritative parents also motivate their children by allowing them to express their opinions and encouraging their independence (http://psychology.about.com/od/childcare/f/authoritative-parenting.htm).
There are significant parallels between authoritative parenthood and the Path-Goal theory of leadership. Both are easy to understand and apply, they both promote a happier disposition, and both theories work effectively (Authoritative, 2013; Northouse, 2013) .
Reference:
Authoritative, Not Authoritarian Parenting Style Most Effective by Dr. Sylvia Rimm on Creators.com – A Syndicate Of Talent. (n.d.). Creators. Retrieved June 29, 2013, from http://www.creators.com/advice/sylvia-rimm-on-raising-kids/authoritative-not-authoritarian-parenting-style-most-effective.html
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice (5th edition). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
Penn State World Campus (2012). PSYCH 485 Lesson 6: Path Goal Theory. Retrieved on August 30, 2012, from
https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/su13/psych485/001/content/66_lesson. html
Siegler, R. S., DeLoache, J. S., & Eisenberg, N. (2006). How children develop (2nd ed.). New York: Worth Publishers.