2014 Academy of Management Annual Conference, Philadelphia
The article explores the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction and organizational commitment across different generational cohorts in the United States, namely Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y. The study aims to determine whether servant leadership is an effective approach for all generations.
Theoretical Framework
The study utilized the Servant Leadership Survey (SLS) developed by Dirk van Dierendonck and Inge Nuijten, which includes eight dimensions: empowerment, accountability, standing back, humility, authenticity, courage, forgiveness, and stewardship.
The study found that empowerment had the strongest connection to job satisfaction and organizational commitment across all generations.
Servant Leadership and Generational Cohorts
The study involved 452 participants who responded to a 30-item servant leadership survey, as well as job satisfaction and organizational commitment scales.
The results showed no significant differences in servant leadership attributes and organizational outcomes based on generational cohort affiliation.
Implications for Leadership
The findings suggest that there is little need to use differentiated leadership approaches to accommodate specific generational cohort preferences when applying servant leadership principles.
Servant leadership, which focuses on meeting follower needs first, appears to be effective across all generational cohorts.
Practical Applications
Leaders adopting a servant leadership approach can effectively lead a diverse workforce without needing to adjust their style for different generations.
Organizations can benefit from developing servant leaders who empower and support their followers, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and reduced turnover.
Conclusion
The study concludes that servant leadership is a universally effective approach for leading a multigenerational workforce. By focusing on the needs of followers and fostering a supportive and empowering environment, leaders can achieve positive organizational outcomes regardless of generational differences.
Zimmerer, T. E., & Latham, J. R. (2014). One size fits all: Servant leadership an effective approach for all generations. In 74th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (p. 38). Academy of Management. DOI: 10.5465/AMBPP.2014.13166abstract