Proposing a new approach for evaluating the situational leadership theory based on the Kano modelSalehzadeh, Reza; Shahin, Arash; Kazemi, Ali; Shaemi Barzoki, Ali
2015 International Journal of Public Leadership
doi: 10.1108/IJPL-05-2014-0003
Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach for evaluating the situational leadership theory (SLT). Design/methodology/approach– Statistical population includes the undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students of the University of Isfahan. For data analysis, 727 accurate completed questionnaires have been used. Initially, questions were developed for each SLT style, followed by analysis in which the type of styles were determined and classified using the Kano evaluation table. Findings– Based on the Kano's classifications, findings imply that, the appropriate leadership styles for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students are directing, coaching and supporting styles, respectively. Originality/value– The approach and findings of this research contribute to the literature of SLT and the Kano model. Findings can be used as a guideline for lecturers in leading and motivating students.
A tool for public services research and developmentEdwards, Anne
2015 International Journal of Public Leadership
doi: 10.1108/IJPL-11-2014-0019
Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to introduce in detail a research tool, which was first used to examine how the motivated actions of leaders in public services, such as Directors of Children's Services, take forward their strategic purposes and subsequently adapted for revealing the strategic actions of Family Support Workers. Design/methodology/approach– The theoretical bases for the research tool are given in some depth and examples of the tool and its possibilities for adaptation are provided. Findings– This conceptual paper provides a resource for examining the connection between strategic purposes and motivated actions in everyday leadership practices. Research limitations/implications– The explication of theoretical foundations of the tool prepares the ground for further adaptations to meet the needs of other research studies which aim at analytically linking actions and strategies in studies of leadership in the public services. Practical implications– The tool has proven potential as a resource for reflective practice and professional learning. Originality/value– The arguments are based in cultural-historical approaches to understanding motivated action in institutional practices. This approach has been employed in a study of leadership in children's services, and the present paper gives detailed access to the main methodological device used in that study.
Developing understanding of the spiritual aspects to resilienceSmith, Jonathan; Charles, Ginger; Hesketh, Ian
2015 International Journal of Public Leadership
doi: 10.1108/IJPL-06-2014-0006
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to deepen conceptual understanding of the spiritual components of resilience.Design/methodology/approach– A conceptual paper drawing on research the authors have been conducting on resilience within the police community for a combined period of over half-a-century. Findings– A more holistic conceptualisation of resilience and particularly a more detailed and accurate picture of the spiritual aspects to resilience which is applicable to a wide variety of public and private sector leadership situations, not just those within the police. Practical implications– The paper provides an increased appreciation of resilience which the authors hope will lead to more practical research in this area, with the longer term goal being to impact positively on practical workplace issues of major current concern in a wide variety of workplaces across the world. Originality/value– The paper's contribution is to promote the importance of resilience, provide a greater theoretical understanding of holistic perspectives of resilience and further develop the spiritual component of resilience. This contribution is important because many leaders currently have a limited appreciation of all the aspects of resilience.
Salient features of Jinnah's politicsYousaf, Nadeem
2015 International Journal of Public Leadership
doi: 10.1108/IJPL-07-2014-0007
Purpose– Jinnah was, to some extent, a successful leader in obtaining his goals of becoming the only spokesperson for Muslims in India and gaining a piece of land for Pakistan but the main question is whether these achievements can be attributed to transactional or transformational strategies. Has he managed transactional or transformational change in terms of political culture? This point will be discussed in the paper. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– A documentary analysis of behaviors, statements and incidents of Jinnah and other relevant personages. Findings– The research shows that Jinnah was neither a transformational nor a charismatic leader. Therefore, his success cannot be attributed to his transformational ideology or charismatic personality. The political maneuvers that he adopted by frequently changing his espoused values and theories-in-use are the sources of his transactional success. Moreover, it is the international events and the vested political interests of the British are among the significant reasons that brought him success. Research limitations/implications– In this work, a detailed comparison has not been made between voluminous theories of leadership because it is beyond the scope of this research. Moreover, it is not the intention of the paper to compare his leadership with that of other leaders; however, the future research in this direction might be useful. Indeed, the relevant leadership examples have been selected from the All India Congress with the major point of reference being the All India Muslim League – the party that brought him real recognition and fame. Practical implications– It is stressed in the research that overt success is not a sufficient criterion to categorize a leader in a specific category without analyzing espoused theory and theories-in-use. The study will help those researchers who are interested in understanding the current political culture of Pakistan. The research will be helpful in enhancing the debate within the theme of leadership, especially transformational, transactional and charismatic. Moreover, the paper will encourage other researchers to compare Jinnah's leadership with that of other political leaders of the world. Originality/value– The research is original as Jinnah's leadership from the perspectives of transformational and transactional leadership styles and the espoused theory and theories-in-use has, so far, not been discussed. It presents significant new arguments and information, which will be in the interest of researchers.