Transformational leadership : exploratory study within research and development (R&D) groups
Abstract
This research investigated the leadership style in a research and development (R&D) work unit within a petro-chemical company, using the Full Range Leadership Development Theory as assessed by Multifactor-Leadership-Questionnaire (MLQ). From the literature review conducted, it was concluded that an R&D environment is multi-dimensional and the workforce can be diverse in the field of specialisation and personality characteristics. Subsequently, the literature review also focused on functional diversity and gender differences within technological and/or scientific environments. Descriptive statistics were provided and the data were then statistically analysed. The research results showed a statistical difference in the perception of the frequency of leadership style between manager-leaders and subordinates. Differences in the mean scores of manager-leaders and subordinates found that the manager-leaders overestimated the frequency ratings of their transformational leadership style and the leadership outcomes, while they under-estimated the frequency ratings for transactional and laissez-faire leadership style. This indicates that although the manager-leaders consider themselves as more transformational, the subordinates of this R&D unit view their immediate managers as not displaying ideal levels of transformational leadership behaviours. A self-bias phenomenon may be present where the manager-leaders judge themselves as overly favourable. It is recommended that this be addressed within the organisation. A statistical significant difference was observed in how some male and female employees experienced their manager-leaders' leadership style. The females indicated a higher frequency of laissez-faire leadership style, while some males viewed their manager-leaders as more transformational compared to the female employees. Manager-leaders may need different skills to manage females and in general an increasing awareness of gender bias within the unit may mitigate stereotypical assumptions. No statistically significant differences (p<0, 05) could be found for the total group between functional areas, being scientists versus engineers. It should be noted that the departments consist of predominantly scientists, while only one department showed a mixture of scientists and engineers.
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Self-leadership of school principals in the Kavango region, Namibia
Katewa, Erwin Namwira Mpasi (North-West University (South Africa) , Potchefstroom Campus, 2016)There is an increasing demand for the use of self-leadership as a model for leadership effectiveness. In the context of schools, self-leadership is an important element for the improvement of teaching and learning, and ... -
Exploring the relationship between selected leadership styles and flourishing in a milling company
Hayes, H. (North-West University, 2018)Orientation: In today's demanding world of constant performance, organizations are pressured to grow to survive. A good quality product with a recognized brand or trademark and good service delivery is not executable without ... -
The relationship between leadership style and locus of control
Grobler, Johannes Hendrik (North-West University, 2004)Due to the fact that the environment in which companies in 'South Africa are operating is constantly changing, these companies are undergoing a process of transformation. Organisations that intend competing successfully ...