By: Dwi Suryanto, Ph.D.
In today’s competitive corporate world, transformational leadership emerges as a key to enhancing employee performance. This leadership style not only inspires and motivates employees to exceed their own expectations but also promotes innovation and personal growth.
Various studies have explored the relationship between transformational leadership and increased employee performance, showing that a leadership style that fosters a shared vision, empowerment, and recognition of individual achievements can significantly strengthen employee commitment and productivity.
Practical examples of transformational leadership application can be seen in the telecommunications industry, where tight market competition and rapid technological advancements demand adaptability and decision-making speed. Transformational leadership in this sector not only boosts performance but also facilitates more effective teamwork and job satisfaction, akin to a ship captain who not only steers the ship but also inspires the entire crew to sail further and conquer new waves.
three main theories
To support the understanding of transformational leadership’s impact on employee performance, three main theories are explained:
- Self-Concept Theory: Emphasizes how transformational leaders can boost employee self-confidence by viewing themselves as an essential part of the organization. For example, a leader who acknowledges and praises employees’ individual contributions helps them feel more valued and increases their self-confidence.
- Social Learning Theory: Focuses on the behavioral model set by transformational leaders, which employees then follow. A leader demonstrating high dedication and work ethic will inspire employees to emulate these behaviors.
- Social Exchange Theory: Describes the reciprocal relationship dynamics between leaders and employees, where employees feel more committed and loyal when they feel valued and supported by their leaders. It’s akin to a mentor-mentee relationship, where continuous support and recognition of efforts boost employee motivation and engagement.
By practically applying these theories, transformational leaders can create a work environment that encourages employees to reach their best potential.
the research methodology
In this study, the research methodology used to collect data from employees in the telecommunications sector involved a quantitative survey. The respondents consisted of 270 operational employees from five different telecommunications companies. This methodology was designed to effectively measure the impact of transformational leadership on employee performance, considering mediating variables such as work meaningfulness and work engagement. This approach allowed researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how the transformational leadership style affects employee performance in a dynamic and competitive environment.
The research findings
The research findings show that the transformational leadership style has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. This is primarily mediated by increases in work meaningfulness and work engagement. Thus, transformational leadership is considered the most suitable leadership style in the telecommunications sector that can enhance employee performance through increased work meaningfulness and engagement. This emphasizes the importance of leaders in inspiring and motivating employees, not only to achieve individual goals but also to contribute to the overall organizational objectives.
Discussion and Implications:
The importance of transformational leadership in the modern workplace cannot be overlooked. This leadership style plays a critical role in motivating employees, enhancing engagement and job satisfaction, and fostering innovation and adaptation in changing market conditions. Transformational leadership provides a framework for building stronger relationships between leaders and team members, which is crucial in addressing today’s organizational challenges.
Conclusion:
The research findings affirm that transformational leadership significantly improves employee performance through enhanced work meaningfulness and engagement. This offers important insights for leaders and HR practitioners in developing effective leadership strategies. Suggestions for future leadership practices include further emphasis on developing transformational leadership qualities at all management levels, as well as adopting more personal and employee development-focused approaches.
Source: Transformational Leadership and Employee’s Performance: A Novel Explanation through Theoretical Triangulation by Faheem Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Adeel, Mehma Qudsia, Arslan Ahmad Siddiqi, published in Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, Volume 43, Issue 4, December 2023.
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