BMAL 700 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Wk 8 - Doctorical Exercise - Leadership Techniques 2024.docx

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 1

Leadership Techniques

Alejandro Cuervo

Department of Business, Liberty University

BMAL 700: DSL Program Orientation (B06)

Dr. Dalton Mathis

October 13, 2023

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 2

Abstract

The most successful style of leadership is contingent upon the circumstances and the followers;

however, it is essential to combine different styles of leadership at the same time to guarantee

that the followers receive the highest quality of service from their leaders. Transformational

leaders foster motivation and inspiration by appealing to their core values and beliefs. They

foster a vision of the future and motivate their followers to work towards it through their

dedication and enthusiasm. Many prominent leaders in modern times have been

transformational and their actions have had a positive effect on their followers, resulting in

remarkable growth and development. Servant leaders prioritize the overall development of

their followers and focus on the long-term as they strive to build long-term relationships. There

is a high level of recognition and popularity for organizations that recognize the importance of

empathy and employee wellbeing. These organizations are transactional in nature, where

employees are rewarded for their outstanding contribution to the work they are assigned to,

depending on their specialty. However, this type of leadership may not be as effective in areas

that are becoming increasingly important in modern organizations.

Keywords; Transformational, Servant, Transactional, Leadership

Leadership Techniques

Leadership techniques differ depending on the leader and the factors in play. There are

many leadership styles that people apply in positions of leadership. Evaluating leadership styles

from the context of the biblical narratives, especially 1st and 2nd Kings by Merida, can offer

insights into how these styles align or deviate from biblical principles. The focus of the essay is

on three leadership styles, including servant leadership, transactional leadership, and

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 3

transformational leadership, considering these books. Leadership is critical because people rely

on leaders to guide them and impact change.

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership entails leaders who inspire and motivate their followers to

attain great things. These leaders often lead by example and encourage the people relying on

their leadership to attain personal growth and development. In the 1st and 2nd Kings, leaders like

Elijah and David are depicted as transformational leaders (Merida, 2015). Elijah portrayed

transformational leadership through his exceptional ability to lead the people of Israel and his

unwavering faith in God. He guides the Israelites back to worshipping the one true God, which

is transformative. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel depicts his

capacity to inspire faith and commitment among the Israelites. Besides, David's leadership style

was transformational in multiple ways. He inspired his followers through courage, faith, and the

desire to uphold God's will. A notable encounter was his exceptional victory against Goliath,

which is a testament to his ability to inspire commitment and faith in others. Both Elijah's and

David's transformational leadership styles have biblical principles of courage, faith, and

obedience to God.

Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is rooted in the concept that leaders must prioritize serving the

needs of their followers. A notable biblical figure like Moses exemplifies servant leadership.

Moses depicts servant leadership when he led the Israelites out of the land of Egypt. He

continually interceded on behalf of the Israelites, even when they were not obedient to the

guidelines they were given. Moses was willing to serve and care for the well-being of the

Israelites, which aligns with the biblical emphasis on humility and putting other people's needs

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 4

first. Servant leadership, as depicted by Moses, is that of humility and the essence of caring for

and guiding others with a servant's heart (Najam & Mustamil, 2020).

Transactional Leadership

Transactional leadership focuses on rewards and punishments to motivate followers.

Though transactional leadership is not explicitly endorsed in the bible, some elements of the

style can be found in the biblical context. King Solomon's leadership had some elements of

transactional leadership in some instances. For instance, his use of labour forces to build the

temple and work on other construction projects depicts a form of transactional leadership. In

King Solomon’s reign, obedience was rewarded with prosperity and security. However, King

Solomon's later years of his reign were marked by disobedience to God, and idolatry deviated

from the biblical principles, depicting the limitations of transactional leadership style (Merida,

2015). Notably, transactional leadership must be approached with caution because it may not

always align with the biblical principles of moral conduct and leadership.

Leadership Comparison

The three leadership styles are comparable in multiple ways, including the relationship

with followers, inspiration and motivation, communication and decision-making, adaptability,

and flexibility, and long-term vs. short-term focus. In the aspect of relationships with followers,

transformational leaders often have strong, emotionally connected relationships with the

followers. They are viewed as role models and mentors who provide guidance and support to

those under their leadership. Also, servant leaders foster a supportive and empathetic

relationship with those under them. They prioritize their team members’ well-being and ensure

to actively listen to their concerns (Najam & Mustamil, 2020). In contrast, transactional leaders

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 5

have a more business-oriented relationship with the people under their leadership. The

transactional focus is on the completion of projects and attaining performance targets.

Servant leaders offer motivation to their servants by serving them. They underscore the

needs of their followers and work to fulfill those needs, in turn building trust and commitment

that the followers uphold (Kiker, Callahan & Kiker, 2019). Transactional leaders, in terms of

motivation and inspiration, motivate through a system of rewards and punishment. The

transactional leaders set clear expectations and use rewards like bonuses and promotions when

people attain the set expectations. Failure to attain what is expected often results in

punishment like demotion and firing when using transactional leadership.

The three leadership styles can be compared in the aspect of communication and

decision-making. Transformational leaders involve their followers in the decision-making

process and insist on open and transparent communication to share their values and vision

(Hoxha, 2019). Also, servant leaders promote collaboration and open communication. The

leaders often seek input from team members when making decisions and aim to empower

them (Kiker, Callahan & Kiker, 2019). In contrast, transactional leaders often make decisions

unilaterally and clearly communicate expectations. Communication is task-oriented, and the

focus is to attain specific goals that the leaders set.

Besides, the leadership styles have long-term vs. short-term focus. Transformational

leaders focus on the long-term goals that influence people's lives positively (Busari et al., 2019).

Transactional leadership contrasts with the other leadership styles since it pays attention to the

short-term focus. The goals are set in the present, and the immediate results and performance

are the focus of transactional leaders.

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 6

Transformational leaders, when it comes to adaptability, are usually adaptable and open

to change. The leaders encourage innovation and creativity among those under their

leadership, which promotes growth and development (Hoxha, 2019). Also, servant leaders are

adaptive and flexible to the needs of those under their leadership. Servant leaders are willing to

adjust their style to meet the needs of their followers. In contrast, transactional leadership is

less flexible since the leaders typically rely on established systems and rules to assess

performance.

Each of the leadership styles has its strengths and weaknesses, and the effectiveness of

a particular style can vary depending on the individuals involved and the situation at hand.

Transformational leaders motivate and inspire, servant leaders prioritize relationships and

services, and transactional leaders focus on task completion and rewards (Legutko, 2020).

In modern-day leadership contexts and organizations, the three leadership styles of

transformational, servant, and transactional leadership continue to have notable impacts and

implications. In modern times, transformational leadership continues to be highly relevant and

effective in motivating and inspiring teams under a transformational leader (Busari et al., 2019).

Leaders who adopt transformational leadership are often considered visionary, charismatic, and

with the capacity to drive impactful change. Transformational leadership has been majorly

impactful, especially in contemporary organizations. Transformational leaders promote

innovation, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose among those they lead in the

organization (Bastari, Eliyana & Wijayanti, 2020). The style is particularly beneficial when

organizations must navigate complex and rapidly changing environments due to the changing

dynamics fostered by growth and development.

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 7

In the contemporary era, servant leadership has gained traction, and leaders are

embracing the style. Leaders must work together with their followers and prioritize their

wellness since they are role models and promote impactful transitions. Besides, servant

leadership helps ensure that followers can gain insights from their leaders and utilize them to

attain high productivity in their activities (Hai & Van, 2021).

Modern servant leaders underscore the needs of their employees, such as flexible

working hours, a conducive working environment, and paid leave, which are critical. Using the

leadership style in organizations increases the levels of productivity, job satisfaction,

engagement, and employee retention, which are critical for an organization to stay competitive

and present in the market. The servant leadership style is particularly effective in promoting a

positive organizational culture, enhancing ethical behaviours, and fostering collaboration, which

are vital aspects that help organizations stay in business (Hai & Van, 2021).

Transactional leadership in modern times is also applicable and highly relevant,

especially in organizations. Organizations rely on efficiency, clear structure, and adherence to

established procedures (Adriansyah, Setiawan & Yuniarinto, 2020). When leaders give tasks,

they have to be done accordingly, and success results in rewards like bonuses, paid trips, and

promotion, while failure results in punishment like demotion, missing out on a promotion, and,

in extreme cases, firing.

In the context where compliance and strict performance monitoring are critical,

transactional leaders can help ensure that people complete their tasks efficiently (Adriansyah,

Setiawan & Yuniarinto, 2020). However, the leadership style can be less effective in promoting

innovation, creativity, employee satisfaction, and retention, which are increasingly essential in

many modern organizations. The style must be applied only when necessary but not utilized as

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 8

the foundational leadership style in organizations since its cons outweigh the pros in matters

regarding leadership.

It is critical to note that effective leadership often entails utilizing multiple leadership

styles instead of strictly following one to the other since they all have their strengths and

shortcomings. Many successful and exceptional leaders in the modern world utilize elements of

transformational, servant, and transactional leadership to adapt to the specific needs of their

teams and organizations (Legutko, 2020). The blend helps ascertain that all leadership factors

are put in place, the employees get the best out of the leadership, and the organizations benefit

in the short run and long run.

Conclusion

Furthermore, modern leadership has also experienced the emergence of other styles.

These styles include democratic leadership, authentic leadership, and situational leadership.

These styles are ideal since they are crafted to address the complexities of today's global and

diverse workplaces. Effective leaders often choose and adapt their leadership style based on the

unique challenges and goals they face in their respective organizations and industries.

Leadership styles play a major role in determining success and sustainability. The three

leadership styles that align with the 1st and 2nd Kings, as addressed by Merida, have their

strengths and weaknesses, which make them unique. The styles are comparable and offer

valuable impacts to the followers when leaders utilize them. It is necessary to blend the styles

of leadership to attain the best results.

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 9

Annotated Bibliography

Adriansyah, M. A., Setiawan, M., & Yuniarinto, A. (2020). The influence of transactional

leadership technique and work culture on work performance mediated by work

motivation. Journal Aplikasi Manajemen, 18(3), 563-571.

The study investigates the influence of transactional leadership technique and work

culture on work performance, influenced by motivation at work. The data utilized in the

research was collected from 91 employees from the police resort office in Malang,

Indonesia. The study utilized a simple random sampling technique and Path analysis.

The results of the study show that work culture and transactional leadership technique

have an impact on work performance, which is significantly positive. According to the

investigation, work motivation arose as a mediating factor in the relation between work

performance and transactional leadership technique.

The resource is relevant to evaluating leadership techniques, especially transactional

leadership, and denotes the influences on work performance and motivation. The study

is well-designed and executed. The sample size is ideal, and the data analysis that the

researchers utilize is appropriate. The source is published in a reputable journal, Journal

Aplikasi Manajemen, which affirms its quality. The authors offer a clear and concise

discussion pertaining to the results and their applicability. The authors are reputable

scholars in the management field since they have extensive publications in peer-

reviewed journals.

The study offers evidence that work culture and transactional leadership technique

can positively influence work performance, with work motivation as a mediating factor.

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 10

This fits the assignment since it provides a biblical basis for the essence of leadership

technique and work culture in promoting effective leadership.

Bastari, A., Eliyana, A., & Wijayanti, T. (2020). Effects of transformational leadership techniques

on job performance with job motivation as mediation: A study in a stateowned

enterprise. Management Science Letters, 10(12), 2883-2888.

This study investigated the impacts of transformational leadership on job performance,

and the mediating factor was job motivation. The researchers collected data from 285

employees of a state-owned enterprise in Indonesia, PT Kereta Api. The study utilizes

Path analysis to analyse the data and obtain the desirable results. The study results

indicated that transformational leadership technique significantly impacted employees

positively, with attention to job performance and motivation being a mediating aspect.

The study findings underscore the essence of creating a positive work culture where the

leadership promotes the productivity of employees.

The study is ideal since it is well-founded and executed. The sample size is adequate

to ensure the generalizability of results, and the data analysis suits the study

appropriately. The authors offer a clear and concise discussion of the results and their

applicability. The authors are reputable scholars who have worked on many publications

relating to management.

The research proves that transformational leadership techniques can positively

impact job performance, with job motivation as a mediating factor. Transformational

leaders impact their employees by encouraging and motivating them to attain their

objectives. In the modern world, where competition is critical, transformational

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 11

leadership helps organizations stay competitive. The resource is relevant to the

assignment since it offers a

biblical basis for the essence of leadership technique and work culture in ascertaining

effective leadership in the workplace.

Busari, A. H., Khan, S. N., Abdullah, S. M., & Mughal, Y. H. (2019). Transformational leadership

technique, followership, and factors of employees’ reactions towards organizational

change. Journal of Asia Business Studies, 14(2), 181-209.

The research investigates the relations between aspects of employees’ responses and

transformational leadership when organizational change occurs. The focus was on the

telecommunication sector of Pakistan. The moderating variable was followership in the

relations between employees' reactions and transformational leadership. The study

utilized a mixed methods study, a quantitative research design followed by qualitative

research questions to gain ideal insights into the topic. The study results indicated that

the transformational leadership technique positively correlates to management trust,

change frequency, and employee participation. Moreover, followership significantly

affects the linkage between transformational leadership technique and aspects of

employees’ reactions, mediated by followership.

The source is relevant to the discussion regarding leadership techniques, primarily

transformational leadership, and its impact on employees. The study is well structured

and ideal as a reference. The study depicts that transformational leadership technique

can positively impact employees' reactions to change in the workplace. The sample size

fits the study, and the data analysis is ideal to obtain the necessary results and

conclusions.

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 12

The authors are reputable scholars who have written publications relating to leadership.

The study is relevant to the task since it helps affirm the biblical basis on the essence

of leadership technique and followership in ascertaining effective leadership when an

organization is experiencing change. The resource is ideal since the discussions are

relevant and relatable. Besides, it can be used as a reference point to determine the

impacts of transformational leadership technique.

Hai, T. N., & Van, Q. N. (2021). Servant leadership techniques: A theoretical approach.

Emerging Science Journal, 5(2), 245-256.

The study focuses on servant leadership techniques and uses different resources'

evaluations, analyses, and research. The authors investigate leadership using the prism

of servant leadership theory. The article investigates the theoretical overview of servant

leadership techniques, focusing on empathetic, visionary, and authentic servant

leadership. Empathetic servant leadership entails a compassionate leader who

understands the needs of those under their leadership. An empathetic servant leader

can see things from their followers' perspective and help the followers when they are

struggling. Visionary servant leadership entails a leader with a clear vision for the future.

The leader communicates the vision concisely and compellingly, inspiring, and

motivating followers to work towards the future vision. Additionally, authentic servant

leadership entails a genuine, authentic, and humble leader. The leadership focuses on

developing good relations with the followers and empowering them to succeed.

The article is well-articulated and informative. The authors give an in-depth

explanation of servant leadership, focusing on the three forms, which is insightful. Also,

the researchers support their arguments with credible literature, making their resource

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 13

ideal to use as a reference. The authors are reputable scholars who have worked on

different publications, and their studies are credible and reliable.

The article offers a theoretical framework for understanding servant leadership and its

techniques. The resource is relevant to the assignment since it aligns with the biblical

basis on the essence of servant leadership in ascertaining effective leadership in

different categories.

Hoxha, A. (2019). Transformational and transactional leadership techniques on employee

performance. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 8(11),

46–58.

The research investigates the relations between transformational and transactional

leadership techniques and their impacts on employee performance. The sample

entailed

333 leaders and assistants of various genders, managerial levels, educational

backgrounds, and with different responsibilities. The sample was obtained from a

telecommunications company in Malaysia. The researchers utilized the Employee

Performance Scale and Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire to collect the data

necessary for the study. The results indicated that transformational leadership technique

positively impacted employee performance.

The study is well-designed and executed, which makes it an ideal resource. The

sample size was adequate to ascertain that the results were reliable. The data collection

and analysis were appropriate for the study. The authors offer a clear and concise

discussion of the linkage between transactional and transformational leadership,

focusing on the study results and their implications.

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 14

The author is a reputable scholar conducting credible research, making the resource a

good reference. The author gives an in-depth explanation regarding leadership

techniques and their applicability and utilization in different aspects. The study indicates

that transformational and transactional leadership impact work performance positively.

The findings are essential for modern-day leaders since they highlight the essence of

transformational and transactional leadership.

Kiker, D. S., Callahan, J. S., & Kiker, M. B. (2019). Exploring the boundaries of servant leadership:

A meta-analysis of the primary and moderating effects of servant leadership

on behavioral and affective outcomes. Journal of Managerial Issues, 172-197.

The meta-analysis investigated the linkage between servant leadership and behavioural

and effective outcomes. The researchers reviewed the research on servant leadership,

assessing the different conceptualizations of the leadership technique and the

organizationally relevant outcomes. Similar to previous research, the meta-analysis

results indicated that servant leadership unquestionably correlates with factors like job

satisfaction and performance, organizational commitment, citizenship behaviours, and

follower trust. Moreover, the study results indicated that the extent of the effects of

servant leadership on the results was essentially mediated by substantive and

methodological factors like the type of organization in perspective, level of analysis,

culture, gender, research design, and publication status.

The meta-analysis is well executed and extensively addresses servant leadership in all

its aspects. The article is ideally written and informative to offer the necessary

perspectives regarding servant leadership. The authors offer a comprehensive overview

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 15

of the topic and strongly support their arguments with credible resources. The

researchers discuss the results and implications extensively; thus, one can draw ideal

conclusions

regarding servant leadership.

The authors are credible scholars, and their publication is credible, considering it is

featured in the Journal of Managerial Issues. The study proves that the servant

leadership technique positively impacted behavioural and affective outcomes. The

resource aligns with the biblical perspective of servant leadership and the essence of

ensuring effective

leadership.

Legutko, B. J. (2020). An exploration of authentic, servant, transactional, and transformational

leadership techniques in Fortune 500 CEO letters. Journal of Leadership Studies, 14(2),

44-51.

The study investigates the utilization of authentic, transactional, servant, and

transformational leadership techniques in the annual letters to the shareholders of

Fortune 500 companies CEOs. The study focused on nine reputable industrial sectors,

and their data was credible and generalizable. The data analysis methodology entailed

content analysis and stepwise multiple regression. The study results indicate that all the

companies utilized the four leadership techniques, but the main one was the

transformational leadership technique. Besides, the study found that CEOs utilizing

multiple leadership techniques in their Fortune 500 companies had higher chances of

achieving high-performance results. The stepwise multiple regression results indicated a

direct relation between services and servant leadership, consumer goods and authentic

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 16

leadership, and utilities and transactional leadership.

The study was well articulated and informative to leaders who intend to utilize

multiple leadership techniques. The data collected is ideal, and the data analysis fits the

study. The author offers a clear and critical discussion regarding the different leadership

techniques and their applicability in Fortune 500 companies.

The author is a reputable scholar, and the work is ideal and reliable. The study offers

insights regarding the leadership techniques CEOs of high-performing companies utilize

to ascertain productivity. The resource is relevant to the assignment since it affirms the

biblical basis for the essence of ideal and effective leadership.

Merida, T. (2015). Christ-Centered Exposition Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings. B & H Publishing

Group.

This paper was primarily based on the book by Merida (2015). It examined the leadership

styles of Prophet Elijah, King David, King Solomon, and Moses in comparison with

modern day leadership. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of

leadership and how it has had an impact on modern leadership. It combines theology

and practice to provide an extended commentary that is centered on God’s theme. By

examining the message of God to both Prophet Elijah and Elisha, it gave me a deeper

comprehension of leadership and what it means to be a great leader. The author is a

reputable scholar who has published many books and used by many universities. The

resource is relevant to the assignment since it offers a biblical basis for the essence of

leadership technique and work culture in ascertaining effective leadership in the

workplace.

Najam, U., & Mustamil, N. (2020). Servant leadership: A bibliometric review. International

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 17

Journal of Organizational Leadership, 9(3), 138-155.

The bibliometric review investigates the study on servant leadership. The scholars

examine the various features of research conducted on servant leadership. They

retrieved and analysed the servant leadership publications in the social sciences field.

The research investigated the last 50 years of servant leadership literature ranging from

1970s to 2019. Bibliometric analyses like co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling, and co-

authorship analysis were utilized. The study indicated that collaborative research

networks relating to servant leadership are impactful and result in resourceful literature.

The study offers a comprehensive review that is structured and objective relating to

servant leadership. The review is informative and well-articulated. The author offers an

in-depth overview of servant leadership, which is critical in leadership. The authors are

respected scholars, and their work is credible, which affirms the quality of the resource.

The review offers an ideal overview of the present state of servant leadership research.

It underscores the essence of servant leadership and suggests the utilization of the most

applicable technique of leadership to ensure that all those under a leader attain what is

desirable.

LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES 18

References