Exploring the relationship between servant leadership and volunteer attitudes within a US Catholic diocese

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between pastoral servant leadership and Church volunteer's perceptions of workplace spirituality, affective commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior in the context of the Catholic Church.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to 200 volunteer staff in a Catholic diocese located in the Northeastern US. 123 participants responded, for a 61.5% response rate.FindingsA significant positive relationship was found between volunteer staff perceptions of pastoral servant leadership and their workplace spirituality as well as affective commitment. No relationship was found between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to examine servant leadership within the US Catholic Church. Findings add value to the literature on servant leadership and its importance to volunteerism, and in particular the positive benefits of servant leadership for staff volunteers in a Church environment.