3.1.5 Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire (PGLQ)

Purpose 

The Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire (PGLQ) is designed to identify the leadership styles that an individual frequently employs in their life and those that they seldom use, such as directive, achievement-oriented, participative, and supportive. It aims to assess an individual’s preferred leadership approaches and behaviors. The instrument provides targeted coaching and feedback designed to enhance team collaboration and improve overall leadership effectiveness within organizations.

The PGLQ is typically taken by individuals in leadership or management positions, including executives, managers, team leaders, and supervisors. It can also be administered to individuals aspiring to leadership positions or those undergoing leadership training and development programs. Organizations may use the results to improve leadership development initiatives. Researchers and educators may use the questionnaire to study leadership behaviors and trends across different contexts.

Description 

The instrument was developed in 1985 as part of Julie Indvik’s dissertation project. The instrument is self-rated and contains 20 questions and a 7-point scale. Scores within specific ranges indicate preference for particular leadership styles.

Regarding limitations, the instrument could have issues related to self-report bias, cultural applicability, and the complexity of measuring leadership styles comprehensively through a questionnaire.

Access 

The PGLQ It is available for free online and in PDF form at http://people.uncw.edu/nottinghamj/documents/slides6/Northouse6e%20Ch7%20Path-Goal%20Survey.pdf. It is also accessible via academic journals and research databases, including in the relevant articles listed in the references section. Prior to usage, permission from the authors or copyright holders may be necessary. Contact the authors directly or consult the articles for more information on the availability and permissions.

Reference

Asamani, J. A., Naab, F., & Ansah Ofei, A. M. (2016). Leadership styles in nursing management: Implications for staff outcomes. Journal of Health Sciences, 6(1), 23–36. https://doi.org/10.17532/jhsci.2016.266

Indvik, J. (1985). A path-goal theory investigation of superior-subordinate relationships (leadership, downward communication, supervision, organizational) [Doctoral dissertation]. The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.