Jan Johansson Hanse1,2, Ulrika Harlin3, Caroline Jarebrant3,4, Kerstin Ulin4,5, Jörgen Winkel6,7. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. 2. Nordic School of Public Health NHV, Gothenburg, Sweden. 3. Swerea IVF, Mölndal, Sweden. 4. Institute of Health and Care Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. 5. Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. 6. Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark. 7. Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract
AIM: The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of servant leadership dimensions on leader-member exchange (LMX) among health-care professionals. BACKGROUND: Leadership support and the quality of the dyadic relationship between the leader and the employee are essential regarding the work environment and turnover intentions in health care. METHOD: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was undertaken at four hospital units in Sweden. The study sample included 240 employees. RESULTS: Significant bivariate correlations were found between all servant leadership dimensions and LMX. The strongest correlations were found between 'humility' and LMX (r = 0.69, P < 0.001), and 'empowerment' and LMX (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). The hierarchical regression analyses indicated that 'empowerment', 'humility' and 'stewardship' explained about 55% of the variance in LMX. CONCLUSION: In our study servant leadership dimensions were strongly related to LMX. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The results identify specific servant leadership dimensions that are likely to be useful for developing a stronger exchange relationship between the leader (e.g. nursing manager) and individual subordinates in health care.
AIM: The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of servant leadership dimensions on leader-member exchange (LMX) among health-care professionals. BACKGROUND: Leadership support and the quality of the dyadic relationship between the leader and the employee are essential regarding the work environment and turnover intentions in health care. METHOD: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was undertaken at four hospital units in Sweden. The study sample included 240 employees. RESULTS: Significant bivariate correlations were found between all servant leadership dimensions and LMX. The strongest correlations were found between 'humility' and LMX (r = 0.69, P < 0.001), and 'empowerment' and LMX (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). The hierarchical regression analyses indicated that 'empowerment', 'humility' and 'stewardship' explained about 55% of the variance in LMX. CONCLUSION: In our study servant leadership dimensions were strongly related to LMX. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The results identify specific servant leadership dimensions that are likely to be useful for developing a stronger exchange relationship between the leader (e.g. nursing manager) and individual subordinates in health care.