A Quantitative Study on Examining the Relationship between Servant Leaders' Characteristics and Employee Engagement

The purpose of this quantitative correlational predictive study was used to determine if, and to what extent, a significant predictive relationship exists collectively or individually between the servant leaders' characteristics (agapao love, altruism, empowering, humility, serving, trust, vision) and employee engagement. It was not known if, and to what extent, a significant predictive relationship exists between the seven predictor variables, collectively and individually, (agapao love, altruism, empowering, humility, serving, trust, vision) and employee engagement in an electrical service organization. The two theoretical frameworks guiding the research were, the employee engagement theory and the servant leadership theory which supported the variables outlined in the research. Multiple linear regression and the Partial Least Squared Regression (PLSR) was used for data analysis. The quantitative correlational predictive research included a sample population of 118 electrical service workers in Georgia. The Servant Leadership Assessment Survey (SLAI) and the Utrecht Work Employee Survey (UWES) captured the data for the research. Two research questions guided this study in determining if a relationship existed between servant leader' characteristics and employee engagement. The results of the multiple linear regression and partial least squared regression indicated that the model was significant, where the overall model explained 39.43% of the variability (R[superscript 2] = 0.3943). Four predictor variables (empowering, serving, humility, vision) made a statistically significant contribution to the model. Empowering ([beta] = 0.558, p < 0.001), vision ([beta] = 0.517, p < 0.001), humility ([beta] = -0.507, p = 0.001), and serving ([beta] = 0.277, p = 0.042). [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]