Leadership styles commonly applied by managers to motivate subordinates to perform : a survey of managers' perception at a University of Technology in the Western Cape

Abstract

This research focuses on the leadership styles that motivate subordinates to perform. Leadership is one of the most important keys that bring success, balance and direction in different organizations. Leaders who exploit efficiency begin by understanding leadership styles. The contingency leadership style derives its credibility from a behavioral approach. Leadership style is an important determinant that stimulates and increases motivation among employees. Employee reactions to management typically depend on employee characteristics as well as executive characteristics. Leadership style is a character or behavior that leaders adopt in order to influence their employees in the environments in which they exercise their power (Hersey et al, 2001: 52). There are different perspectives on how and what needs to be done by a leader to motivate subordinates to function well. Others suggest that transformational leadership is the answer, while some research results identify transactional leadership as the best style for tasks to be accomplished. On the other hand, leadership cannot be studied to the exclusion of follow-up, since followers play a role in the effectiveness of a leader. Projects are characterized by the use of teams to execute tasks, and teams are a complex structure requiring an understanding of their dynamics. This research seeks to establish generic leadership styles that can motivate teams to perform. It is estimated that 47% to 54% of projects are not completed on time, what style of leadership is needed to improve project performance?