Is “Individual Focused” Leadership More Effective And Satisfying Than “Group Focused” Leadership! An Empirical Research.

Abstract

Purpose- The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between individual focused and group focused Transformational Leadership and outcomes measured in terms of extra effort, effectiveness and satisfaction through an empirical survey in three Indian industry segments. Transformational leadership is a leadership form which is fully evolved. Leadership is essentially motivating others but not coercing them. The focus of transformational leadership is to change the thought process of the followers to enable them to contribute their might for the organization instead of seeking rewards from the organization. Transformational leadership was explained in detail by James M Burns and was further elaborated by Bass and Avolio as consisting of five leadership constructs ie idealized influence related to the leader’s behaviors, idealized influence related to the leader’s attributes, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Process- Correlation between Transformational leadership and its impact in motivating people has been an interesting subject to evaluate. Bass and Avolio developed MLQ ( Multi factor leadership questionnaire ) to carry out such a study. This survey was carried out in a large Indian Paper and Paperboard manufacturing division, a tobacco division and an agri division of an enterprise of repute in which about 326 managers participated and the survey findings were subjected to statistical analysis. Findings-Transformational leadership is reputed to enhance employee satisfaction, motivation, technological innovation, and leader effectiveness ratings. While all of these have been proved by the survey quoted above, it was interesting to note the relationship between Individual focused leadership and Group focused leadership and the outcomes measured in terms of extra effort, effectiveness and satisfaction. Research limitations-In the empirical survey carried out, participants were males which is a limitation caused by non availability of lady managers. Originality/value-The current research compared the individual constructs of the Leadership style in terms of Individual focused leadership and Group focused leadership and each of the outcomes in detail and established their relationship.