Modern leadership types and outcomes: The case of Greek public sector

Abstract

The aim of this research is to highlight the characteristics of modern leadership types, under the Multifactor Leadership Theory, i.e. the Transformational, Transactional and Laissez-faire Leadership types. The research objectives focus on distinct effects of these leadership types on both “followers' (employees') perceived leadership outcomes”, namely the “followers' perceived leadership effectiveness” and the “followers' job satisfaction”, according to Bass. The research was conducted by a case study in the Greek public procurement sector, with the usage of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). Transformational Leadership was found to strongly and positively determine both the “followers' perceived leadership effectiveness” and “followers' job satisfaction”, while the positive impact of Transactional Leadership on these two criteria proved to be less strong, followed by the strongly negative effect of Laissez-faire Leadership. The conclusions drawn can be applied in public sector organizations with high performance standards.

Keywords

• transformational leadership
• transactional leadership
• laissez-faire leadership
• followers' perceived leadership effectiveness
• followers' job satisfaction