Satisfaction of university students in academic teamwork: evidence of a situational leadership approach

Abstract

Leadership capacity and leadership style are among the factors that affect job satisfaction. This study aims to survey and measure the impact of the situational leadership approach on student satisfaction in the relationship between team members and team leaders. Quantitative research was conducted through an online survey of 207 students from study groups, messenger and emails of students majoring in Business Administration. The data were analyzed through Cronbach's Alpha test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis to test the research hypothesis. The research results have shown that there are only three situational leadership styles that have a significant impact on student satisfaction with team leaders: Directive leadership styles have a negative impact on member satisfaction with team leaders. Coaching and supportive styles positively affect team member satisfaction with team leaders, while delegating leadership style has no significant impact on member satisfaction with team leaders. The research results suggest that to improve the effectiveness of teamwork in the process of studying at university, the team leader needs to focus on the style of coaching, cooperation, and discussion.