Study of Chinese bank managers shows transformational leadership, organizational structure and job characteristics are all positively related to psychological empowerment

Abstract

PurposeThe authors said that, although psychological empowerment is a well-researched topic, their study was especially valuable because it took place in a Chinese context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors distributed 400 questionnaires to bank managers in Beijing, who were randomly selected through cluster sampling. In the end, 151 usable questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire used various scales to measure psychological empowerment, transformational leadership, organizational structure and job characteristics.FindingsAnalysis of the results showed confirmation of all three hypotheses, revealing that transformational leadership, organizational structure and job characteristics are all positively related to transformational leadership.Originality/valueThe authors said their study boosted the significance of transformational leaders in organizations. They also suggested that organizations should pay attention to leadership styles during the recruitment process. Meanwhile, leaders who were not displaying transformational leadership should be provided with appropriate training. Employees should also be made aware of its importance. Individual trainers and HR personnel should take note of the characteristics required of transformational leaders.