Date of Conferral

8-1-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Eduardo Naggiar

Abstract

Government business offices exhibit a variety of leadership styles, with bureaucratic leadership being particularly prevalent. As diverse as leadership approaches are, so too are employee work styles. Certain leadership styles can enhance employee motivation, while others may hinder it, ultimately affecting an organization's ability to achieve success and progress. This phenomenological study explored the perceptions of employees in governmental academic offices concerning the leadership styles that motivate them to be productive and engaged. Utilizing Bernard Bass’s leadership styles, the study examined how these approaches influence employee motivation in the workplace. The primary research question focused on employees' perceptions of these leadership styles and their impact on individual motivation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 employees from a governmental academic organization, without regard to gender, age, race, or ethnicity. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between leadership behaviors and employee motivation. Participants emphasized the importance of specific leadership qualities, such as fostering positive workplace cultures, collaborative teamwork, mutual trust and respect, empowerment, autonomy, and constructive feedback. They highlighted a preference for transformational leadership characterized by active listening, encouragement, support, and trust as key drivers of enhanced workplace motivation. The study suggests that leaders can improve their effectiveness by aligning their leadership styles to support a more transformational style. These insights can guide leadership initiatives to create environments that optimize employee motivation and organizational success.

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