Paper Summary:

The paper outlines Robert House's path goal theory and then focuses on the Jeanne Lewis case study. The paper demonstrates how Lewis applied the path goal theory in all aspects of her leadership and was able to influence and motivate her followers. The paper notes that as a result, Lewis achieved the overall goals of improved performance in all the positions she held within the Staples organization.

Outline:
Introduction
Applications in the Jeanne Lewis Case Study
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In 1994 Lewis became the director of operations for the New England division that was struggling to yield profitable returns due to the lack of strong leadership. This position was a challenge for her because it was new to her, whereas the team she managed previously had all "been there and done that" (Suesse 2005, p.81). She went straight to work and displayed directive and path-goal leadership behaviors by setting clear standards for the store to follow and by launching new training programs. She made the tough choice to replace 25 employees in 12 months which helped clear the way to goal achievement. Basically, she put the right people in the right positions doing the right thing. She displayed strong leadership by being direct and by removing and clearing employee roadblocks to goal achievement. She provided the clarity and guidance the company needed. She clarified performance and standards and as a result performance was improved significantly."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hersey, P. H., Blanchard, K. H., & Johnson, D. E. (2008). Management of Organizational Behavior: Leading Human Resources (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2008). Organizational Behavior (8th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw- Hill.
• Suesse, J. M., & Hill, L. A. (2005). Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (A) (Abridged) (pp.78-91). Boston, MA: Harvard Business Publishing.

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