Path-Goal and Situational Theories of Leadership Assignment

Path-Goal and Situational Theories of Leadership - Assignment Example Through this, the leader can clearly specify the scopes of the task to be performed and the processes, as well as the responsibilities that the subordinates need to accomplish in order to achieve the set objectives. In this respect, the leadership behaviour tends to be oriented towards achievements, participation, supportive and directive in all aspects. The path-goal theory helps leaders in gaining a proper understanding of their work environments. In this perspective, the leader would develop an understanding of the public health institution, and then clarify the appropriate paths that should be taken by the employees in achieving the set objectives (Sarin & O’Connor, 2009). Moreover, the theory illuminates the possible obstacles that may prevent the health institution from achieving its set objectives. The path-goal theory is complex since it puts many parameters into consideration and each of these parameters requires proper analysis before selection of a suitable leadership style. Public health institutions comprise sophisticated systems with diversified leadership structures hence analysis and application of these parameters may not be effective. The path-goal theory criticizes the placement of great responsibilities on the leaders and few responsibilities on the subordinates. This makes the subordinates more dependent on the leadership and in the end, inhibits their performance (Laureate Education, 2012). This can have the negative influence on the performance of the workers within the public health sector since they would seek to draw their motivation and skills from the leaders rather than from self. The path-goal theory and the situational theory of leadership both share certain similarities most of which have significant impacts on the nature of leadership in public health sectors. Below are some of the similarities between these two.