Assessing the relationship between leadership styles, coping and employee attitudes at a power station

MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014The study was conducted to assess the state of leadership characteristics and the impact these variables have on employee self-esteem and employee work-related outcomes in a South African power utility in particular power station environment. The inquiry was conducted in a natural working environment of an organisation where respondents are situated/ located (i.e. a field study). A stratified convenience sampling approach was used to carry out the study using a structured questionnaire developed from predictors used by other researchers. The questionnaire, based on a four-point, five-point and seven-point Likert scale with leader’s characteristics such as articulation of vision, individualised support, intellectual, stimulation, forcing acceptance of group goals, high performance expectations, appropriate role modelling and performance feedback, mediating variables such as self-esteem and work-related outcomes such as organisational commitment and work-success, was designed to capture the state of affairs within the organisation based on the employees perceptions of their experiences of these variables. 150 questionnaires were distributed of which 115 were returned and all 115 were useable. This data was analysed using statistical tools such as correlation and regression analysis. The descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of leader’s characteristics unveiled a moderate agreement whilst the work related outcomes indicated that employees were neutral to agree with statements. The correlations analysis showed predominantly strong relationship between leader’s characteristics, self-esteem and work related outcomes with some few small and medium relationships. Recommendations to improve work-related outcomes are provided to the organisation.Master