Management Summary

This thesis deals with the topic of how leadership can impact work motivation. Interest in the linkage between leadership and work motivation is created by the fact that both variables are of great importance for a successful performance of an organization. Both subjects are highlighted in literature in many ways. To examine the linkage, it is necessary to define both concepts. In this thesis, leadership is defined as „the ability of an individual to influence, motivate and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the (groups) of which they are members‟ House (cited by Schaffer, 2008, p.6). By defining the concept of leadership, it has been shown that numerous leadership models enhance different leadership styles. Theories developed by for example Hersey and Blanchard, Kerr and Jermier, Fiedler and House all identify different styles, but all make classifications between task-oriented and relation-oriented leadership. For this thesis it is chosen to create a model with these two major styles of leadership, recognized by all theories (House, 1996; Hersey & Blanchard, 1969; Kerr & Jermier, 1979). Characteristics that make both styles exclusive are, amongst other, the way decision-making processes are designed, the communication and the physical distance between a leader and its ‟ followers. In academic literature, motivation is highlighted in many ways as well. By collecting and reading several academic articles to find out what factors drive work motivation, it showed that Herzberg‟s two factor theory was complete in the elements that are taken into account. An important note of the theory is that factors which cause motivation are not the same factors as those which reduce motivation. The factors which cause motivation are called „Motivators ‟ and they include Achievement