According to the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, empirically tested by this study in the hospitality industry in Aracaju-SE, there are four types of leader behavior (directive, supportive, achievement-oriented and participative) and two types of contingent factors (subordinate and environmental attributes). Our objectives were to identify the preferred leadership style among employees, describe how the subordinates characteristics (variables locus of control, perceived self-efficacy, authoritarianism, need for structure) take part, and associate these attributes to the leadership style mainly selected. All staff (30 people) participated in the survey. Results showed that there was significant preference for supportive leadership. Participants showed moderate authoritarianism level and a high score in perceived self-efficacy. Finally, we also found a probable association between higher scores on the variable perceived self-efficacy and the preference for supportive and participative leaderships.
leadership; hospitality industry; path-goal theory
