Exploring the relationship between the components of transformational leadership and the satisfaction of the followers' basic psychological needs in the public sector

Alturiqi, Abdulaziz Sulaiman (2019) Exploring the relationship between the components of transformational leadership and the satisfaction of the followers' basic psychological needs in the public sector. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The current study aims to provide a better and deeper understanding of the underlying process of the phenomenon of transformational leadership that is widely considered as the most effective style of leadership. Transformational leaders heighten the motivation of their followers and satisfy their needs which, in turn, leads such followers to achieve more than they previously thought they were able to. However, scant attention has been given to investigate the mechanisms of such a style of leadership, particularly in respect of how its sub-dimensions affect the satisfaction of the followers' basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness, (components of the self-determination theory). Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the means used in such sub-dimensions which influence the satisfaction of these three needs. This thesis is based on data from 182 participants who completed an online questionnaire and interviews with 23 participants who work in a Saudi public sector organisation which operates in the energy industry. This research used a mixed method, the explanatory sequential design, where the qualitative data assist in explaining the quantitative results. The results show that two of the sub-dimensions of transformational leadership have significantly positive effects on two of the three needs, whereas one of the sub-dimensions, inspirational motivation, has a significant and negative effect on two of the three needs. Idealised influence (attributes) has a significant positive effect on the satisfaction of the followers' basic psychological need for competence (P-value = 0.008), and on the need for autonomy (P-value = 0.006). Idealised influence (behaviours) has a significant positive effect on the need for competence (P-value = 0.037) and on the need for autonomy (Pvalue = 0.023). In addition, inspirational motivation has a significant negative effect on the need for competence (P-value = 0.002) and on the need for autonomy (P-value is less than 0.001). The qualitative data served to explain these results as the explanatory sequential design suggests. By considering both the positive and negative effects of the sub-dimensions of transformational leadership, it can be suggested that such a style of leadership is not a panacea or a remedy that solves all problems; in fact, this style of leadership can do both good and harm to followers.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Leadership, transformational leadership, behaviour, satisfaction of the followers' basic psychological needs, competence, autonomy and relatedness.
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Supervisor's Name: Docherty, Professor Iain and Canales, Professor Ignacio
• Date of Award: 2019
• Depositing User: Mr ABDULAZIZ ALTURIQI
• Unique ID: glathesis:2019-75121
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2019 08:46
• Last Modified: 23 May 2022 08:18
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.75121
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75121