Instrument Path-Goal
Instrument Path-Goal
Instrument Path-Goal
Because the path-goal theory was developed as a complex set of theoretical assumptions to
direct researchers in developing new leadership theory, it has used many different
instruments to measure the leadership process. The Path- Goal Leadership Questionnaire
illustrates one of the questionnaires that has been useful in measuring and learning about
important aspects of path-goal leadership (Indvik, 1985, 1988).
This questionnaire provides information for respondents about four different leadership
styles: directive, supportive, participative, and achievement oriented. The way respondents
score on each of the different styles provides them with information on their strong and
weak styles, as well as the relative importance they place on each of the styles.
To understand the path-goal questionnaire better, it may be useful to analyze a hypothetical
set of scores. For example, hypothesize that your scores on the questionnaire were 29 for
directive, which is high; 22 for supportive, which is low; 21 for participative, which is
average; and 25 for achievement, which is high. These scores suggest that you are a leader
who is typically more directive and achievement oriented than most other leaders, less
supportive than other leaders, and quite similar to other leaders in the degree to which you
act participatively.
Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire12
INSTRUCTIONS: This questionnaire contains questions about different styles of path-goal
leadership. Indicate how often each statement is true of your own behavior.
Key:
1 = Never
2 = Hardly ever
3 = Seldom
4 = Occasionally
_____1.
_____2.
_____3.
_____4.
_____5.
_____6.
_____7.
_____8.
_____9.
_____10.
_____11.
_____12.
_____13.
_____14.
_____15.
_____16.
_____17.
_____18.
_____19.
5 = Often
6 = Usually
7 = Always
SOURCE: Adapted tom A Path-Goal Theory Investigation of Superior Subordinate Relationships, by J. Indvik,
unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1985, and Indvik (1988). Based on the work of House
and Dessler (1974) and House (1976) cited in Fulk and Wendler (1982). Used by permission.
2
Northouse, Peter G. Leadership Theory and Practice. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc., 2001. 106-7.