How Servant Leaders Psychologically Empower Their Followers

Abstract

This study aims to examine any possible effects of servant leadership (SL) on psychological empowerment (PE) in terms of sub dimensionality. Implementing convenience sampling, 356 questionnaires were collected from five-star hotel employees in Antalya. The overall relationships were tested by conducting Pearson’s correlation analysis, and all constructs were subjected to the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Later on, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted in terms of providing support for dimensionality and confirmed convergent and discriminant validity via Amos. To test the hypothesized model, structural equation modeling was employed. The model showed that Agapao love has a substantial significant positive effect on the meaning sub-dimension of the PE, and the same effect was observed in the competence and impact sub-dimensions of the PE. Along with Agapao love, trust was also significant and had positive effects on PE sub-dimensions. Referring to our discussion in this paper, leaders should support their followers in terms of psychological empowerment and preferably closely interact with their subordinates as an expected leadership behavior in service enterprises. Besides, trustworthiness is a crucial cue for kitchen employees in terms of motivation, inspiration, and competence.