Spiritual orientation of a leader and perceived servant leader behavior: A correlational study .

摘要

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of spiritual orientation of purported servant leaders to the intensity of perceived servant leader behavior in those leaders. Spirituality in the workplace and more holistic styles of leadership have grown in popularity among leadership consultants and the general public.; A sample of 100 managers and 200 employees from TDIndustries in Dallas, Texas, was surveyed using the Spirituality Assessment Scale (SAS) and the Servant Organizational Leadership Assessment (SOLA) between August and September 2001. Sixty-two managers (62%) and 97 employees (48%) responded. Spiritual orientation was measured using the SAS through two dimensions. The definitive dimension, considered essential for an individual to be spiritual, is demonstrated through a relationship with the transcendent through prayer or meditation, and the correlated dimension, which is not exclusive to spirituality but may derive from moral philosophies, are the virtues of honesty, humility, and service to others. Servant leadership behavior was measured using the leadership portion of the SOLA.; Results of the study indicate that the sample of leaders surveyed in this study may be more spiritual than less spiritual, but with a greater propensity for the correlated variables. Pearson correlation and regression analysis indicate that the correlated dimension of spirituality is positively significant and influential to servant leader behavior. ANOVA analysis and post hoc pairwise multiple comparison demonstrate a difference in perception of servant leadership behavior due to years studying servant leadership principles and years employed at TDIndustries.