Study turns notion of business leadership on its head, but do the ideas have any legs?

By Tomás H. Lucero

The University of Illinois’ school of business says that emphasizing service to employees instead of service to yourself, the boss, as an approach to leadership, can make a business more profitable instead of making it uncompetitive, among other benefits.

The thesis is published and fleshed out in an article titled “Servant Leadership and Serving Culture: Influence on Individual and Unit Performance” in the Academy of Management Journal. The authors are Sandy Wayne, Robert Liden, Chenwei Liao and Jeremy Meuser, all University of Illinois academics, except for Liao, from Michigan State University.

The study asserts that when bosses ask how they can help employees versus how employees can help them, in a “servant” leader style, customer happiness and job performance increase, and turnover decreases. As a result of fostering trust, caring, cooperation, fairness and empathy employees feel more valued, and in turn give more back to their bosses and customers, the paper explains. Some questions that “servant” bosses ask are “Is there anything I can do to help you?” “Let me help you…” “What do you need to…?”

“Servant” style leadership, and its benefits, transforms into a culture because employees, who admire bosses, mimic them and replicate the positive reactions across a team and business. The study asserts that “servant” leadership increases teamwork, loyalty and dedication among the ranks.  

The research is based on data and surveys based on 1,000 employees of a national restaurant chain at 71 locations in 10 metropolitan areas. The researchers found that stores with “servant” leaders had higher job performance, customer satisfaction and, most importantly, higher sales.

Related Story: Ten Critical Steps to Achieving Magnetic Leadership

Related Story: Three Leadership Styles You Need at the Top

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter!

Read our latest edition - Business Review USA 

Share

Featured Articles

JPMorgan Chase: Committed to supporting the next generation

JPMorgan has unveiled a host of new and expanded philanthropic activities totalling US$3.5 million to support the development of apprenticeship programmes

How efficient digital ecosystems became business critical

During this unprecedented era of rapid digital transformation, establishing a well-functioning ecosystem stands to benefit both employees and customers

Mastercard: Supporting clients at a time of rapid evolution

Mastercard has announced a significant expansion of its consulting business with the launch of new practices dedicated to both AI and economics

Why Ceridian has boldly rebranded to Dayforce

Human Capital

McKinsey’s eight lessons in leadership for aspiring CEOs

Leadership & Strategy

KPMG: The biggest challenges facing global CEOs in 2023

Leadership & Strategy