The management theory of Robert House education and training provides an inexpensive way to learn to benefit from the management principles. The theory explores four styles of leadership, which are supportive, directive, participative and achievement-oriented. The studies of Robert House are available in online training materials and management resources designed to improve management and leadership workplace skills with staff.

Use Robert House theory examples in leadership for self-directed training for small business human resource, leadership and management skills. There are small business leaders dealing with limited resources and the lack of time to complete a formal degree. Consider the following to obtain additional education and training on the leadership theory of Robert House:

1. Locate information on Robert House path goal theory conducive to self-directed study.

2. Devote a small amount of time each day to learning about path goal theory by Robert House.

3. Make a list of three advantages path goal theory can help accomplish as a result of applying the model.

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Find studies of Robert House theories that offer an overview of leadership

Robert House is a foundational figure in management theory and it's relationship to leading workplace staff. Theories on leadership develop over time and an overview can provide basic information to build upon while learning valuable skills.

I recommend: Lamar University’s industrial engineering department offers an extensive overview of workplace issues and application of leadership theories that includes Robert House path-goal theory. Enotes.com offers an overview of House’s path goal theory within the context of the history of organizational leadership theory.

Seek training resources that provide Robert House theory examples

One of the best ways to learn new information is to see it applied in actual situational settings. Robert House and the path goal theory lends itself to offer viable solutions to a broad range of workplace issues. Whether leadership obstacles occur suddenly or build slowly over the course of time, situational examples provide a resource and a place to go for direction.

I recommend: Knowledge at Wharton School of Management is The University of Pennsylvania's educational resource that provides access to Robert House path goal theory as it relates to leadership and change. Institute for Working Futures' Aptitude Media gives an overview of Robert House management theory and other leadership tools.

Gather quick reference materials on Robert House theories

Through educational training, it's simple to discover your leadership style and analyze its effectiveness. One of the great advantages path goal theory provides, as developed by House, is a simple method to cultivate leadership skills.

I recommend: Visit the Leadership Toolbox to gather information and tools in leadership skills building. Envision Software provides short articles on a variety of management methodology including Robert House path goal leadership theory.

The Robert House path goal theory is a theory that states leadership creates the successful organization. The management theory of Robert House essentially states that leaders offer incentives for attaining goals, give employees the tools necessary to achieve said goals and remove obstacles towards that goal. In other words, the leader makes the path to the goal. There are four different styles of leadership in this theory: supportive, directive, participative and achievement-oriented. This is also referred to as a situational leadership theory.

The Robert House path goal theory is based on academic research (Robert House teaches at the Wharton School). His research interests are leadership, motivation, personality and performance and cross-cultural organizational behavior.

1. Leaders can influence subordinates' efforts by their behaviors towards subordinates, according to Robert House and the path goal theory.

2. The path goal theory combines practical advice such as giving subordinates incentives, but also making sure the path to the goal is clear, not frustrating for the subordinate.

3. The most effective leaders are those who show employees that their efforts will lead to verifiable results.

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Get to know the Robert House path goal theory

The path goal theory is deceptively simple. It boils down to the proposition that leaders' behaviors influence the work of subordinates.

I recommend: To understand the path goal theory, 12 Manage gives a broad outline of the theory. Robert House provides a brief introduction to his theory at Knowledge Wharton, where you can download a copy of his paper.

Put the Robert House path goal theory to work in your business

Whether you want to hire a consultant or get your information, the path goal theory could work for you.

I recommend: Herb Rubenstein Consulting uses the path goal theory of leadership in its wide-ranging practice. If you're more interested in getting a basic education in the Robert House theory, its popularity assures you of finding good information. Leadership Toolbox is an excellent online resource with a clear, understandable lesson in Robert House theory examples.

Get certified in the Robert House path goal theory

The path goal theory by Robert House is also known as the situational theory of leadership. If you are a practicing consultant or manager, getting certified in the Robert House theory will aid you personally and professionally.

I recommend: Trainers Direct's leadership program includes training in the Robert House management theory, also known as the path goal theory or situational leadership. The Manufacturing Leadership Program has online courses in many areas of management training, including situational leadership training.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Management theories build off one another and the boundaries often blur. For instance, elements of the Robert House path goal theory can be found in Ken Blanchard's managements theory?and vice versa.

The management theory of Robert House explores the relationship between organizational leaders and their employees. House’s theory teaches that leadership types influence the impact of success of individual workers and situational leadership establishes the motivational method to achieve a positive outcome. Understand a few key terms fundamental to House's management theory.

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Path goal

Path goal is a motivational approach where leaders influence employees to meet a goal and then determine the path employees would take to reach that specific goal. The approach offers leaders a method to provide the best course of action towards achieving performance goals. Leaders can choose to create a culture of motivating characteristics based on recognizing situational factors. Managers who practice this performance theory methodology makes the paths obvious towards the specific goals and works to remove obstacles to performance.

I recommend: Visit Blacks Academy for a description of Path goal theory. Shvoong.com discusses House's theory for an in-depth understanding of this motivational leadership approach.

Situational leadership

Situational leadership is a performance and motivational theoretical approach that offers guidance to organizational leaders as they manage workplace staff. The manager observes work related situational indicators to help select the appropriate leadership style in response to the cues. This behavior provides the worker with a clear set of directions via delegating specific tasks, telling or showing each step or one-on-one coaching to achieve success.

I recommend: Scribd.com defines this key term within the context of House's theory. Center for Leadership Studies offers additional information about situational leadership.

Directive leadership

House's management theory refers to this style as that which furnishes highly-structured guidance to an employee on the method to use and perform a job-related task. This method works well to create a sense of job satisfaction with inexperienced or new employees.

I recommend: Visit Management Issues to review a definition of directive leadership style.

Achievement-oriented leadership

When a leader sets high goals and expects the staff to show high-level performance, they're engaging in achievement-oriented leadership style. This type is helpful when an organization is making a transition or significant turnaround.

I recommend: Review Stewart Associates' site and scroll down the page for a practical explanation and model on achievement-oriented leadership.

Participative leadership

House defines this type of leader as one who consults with workers and encourages their suggestions and input. The participative leadership style is best when the employee is highly experienced in the field of employment and their input is a necessary part of job performance.

I recommend: Suite 101.com provides a thorough explanation of participative leadership style.

Supportive leadership

Organizational managers who employ this leadership style convey the importance of offering sincere concern for their employees and performance related goals. Supportive managers use this type of style to create a sense of 'team' in an environment with highly stressful work-related responsibilities.

I recommend: Changing Minds.org offers the definition of supportive leadership style.