Task dimensions as moderators of the effects of instrumental leadership: A two-sample replicated test of path-goal leadership theory

The path-goal theory of leadership has been criticized as being incapable of generating meaningful predictions and as having little empirical support; the present study addressed both criticisms. Three nonobvious predictions were generated from the theory concerning the moderating effects of 3 task dimensions on the relationship between instrumental leader behavior and subordinate satisfaction with supervision. It was hypothesized that task variety would be a positive moderator of the leadership/satisfaction relationship, whereas task feedback and opportunity to deal with others would be negative moderators. Data were collected by standard survey questionnaire measures in 2 field samples: 205 manufacturing employees (mean age 38.9 yrs) and 110 bank employees (mean age 32.7 yrs). Two of the hypotheses were supported in both samples (those concerned with variety and dealing with others), and one was supported in the manufacturer only (the feedback hypothesis). (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).