The business climate of today demands high flexibility and quick responsiveness from suppliers. It has become essential for organizations to have effective leaders in all hierarchal levels, which understand and are able to work under these conditions. As the market requirements have changed, a new paradigm of leadership has evolved (Bryman, 1992). This paradigm puts more focus on charisma and how to motivate followers, which is the essential part of transformational leadership. According to Burns (1978), transformational leadership is a process between leader and follower rather than exchanges. This leads to the question of what effective leadership is and if it can be measured in some way. One method is the use of the Multifactor leadership questionnaire, the MLQ-test, developed by Bass 1985 from the full range model. The conducted research for this thesis is done at PaperPak Sweden AB, a manufacturer of disposable incontinence products located in Aneby, Småland. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate if any differences and/or similarities in leadership can be found between or within the hierarchical levels. The intent with the report is also to investigate those variances and if they are positive or negative for an organization. A theoretical framework focusing on leadership has been collected, to enable the fulfillment of the thesis purpose. This framework will act as support for the analysis of the quantitative investigation, based on the MLQ-test. From this analysis, the authors have made conclusions and recommendations. The degree of transformational, transactional and laissez- faire leadership has been measured for the three leadership levels top, middle and low management. It could be argued that the top management should show the highest degree of transformational leadership, and low management the least, due to their positions and work tasks. The result of the analysis supported that theory to a large extent. However, lower management showed a significantly higher degree of transformational leadership than middle management. One explanation could be that middle management lives in a more stressful situation, working between top and low management, compared to the other two, which is supported by Grout (1994). Since the theoretical findings mean that leadership can be learnt and developed, the authors suggest that organizations always have to follow up and try to develop their leaders and managers towards higher degrees of transformational leadership. Finally the authors suggest that further studies of the MLQ-test should investigate the possibilities to include measurements of the technical side of leadership, since the test currently does not take those factors into consideration.

Magistro darbe nagrinėjama problema – kaip vadovavimo stilius bei valdymo metodai įtakoja įmonės veiklos efektyvumą, atsižvelgiant į vadovų vertybių orientaciją, susiklosčiusias situacijas, aplinkybes, išanalizuoti ir susisteminti įvairių Lietuvos ir užsienio autorių teoriniai vadovavimo stiliai bei valdymo metodai. Praktinėje dalyje atliktas tyrimas, koks vadovavimo stilius bei valdymo metodai taikomi UAB „Steiga“ ir Panevėžio „Žemynos“ vidurinėje mokykloje. Praktinėje dalyje atliekama surinktų anketinių duomenų analizė. Apžvelgus tyrimo rezultatus, galima konstatuoti, kad statybinės organizacijos „Steiga“ vadovas puoselėja autokratinio vadovavimo požymius, šioje įmonėje dirbantiems darbuotojams dominuojantys yra ekonominiai valdymo metodai. Panevėžio „Žemynos“ vidurinės mokyklos direktorius priskiriamas demokratiško stiliaus vadovui, darbuotojams dažnai taikomi socialiniai-psichologiniai valdymo metodai. Interpretuojant gautus duomenis, pateikiamos išvados ir praktinės rekomendacijos. / Master's work examines the problem - as a leadership style and management methods affect the business performance, taking into account the value orientation of managers, situations, circumstances, analyze and codify the various Lithuanian and foreign authors theoretical leadership styles and management methods. A study carried out in practice, what leadership style and management techniques applied to UAB "Steiga" and Panevėžys "Žemyna" in high school. Practice in a profile analysis of the data collected. Reviewing the results, it can be stated that the building „Steiga“ leader harbors signs of autocratic leadership, the company employed the workers are the dominant economic management methods. Panevėžys "Žemyna" school director assigned a democratic style leader, the workers are often subject to social-psychological approaches to the management. Interpreting the data, draws conclusions and practical recommendations.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of effective school leadership. The study was conducted in senior secondary schools in the southern region of Botswana. The southern region comprises of the south and south central regions which has twelve (12) senior secondary schools, out of which seven (07) schools were randomly sampled for the study. Both interviews and questionnaires were used as research tools. One hundred and eighty nine (189) questionnaires were distributed and only one hundred and four (104) were completed and returned. Eight interviews were conducted among school leaders. Results from the questionnaires were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and tables. Results from the interview were analyzed within a framework that was structured along the lines of the research questions. The study reveals that most of the teachers have a teaching qualification (PGDE), have adequate teaching experience, and are generally young (30-35 years). In terms of position of responsibility, most of them are clustered around senior teacher II (42.3%) and teacher/educator (36.5%). The study also reveals that schools performance is hampered largely by indiscipline and laziness towards schoolwork by both stakeholders. The school leaders must act as catalysts in creating a learning environment and be actively involved in implementing improvement strategies that help both students and teachers to enhance their learning and achievement (cf. 2. 16. 2). / Thesis (M.Ed)--North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of effective school leadership. The study was conducted in senior secondary schools in the southern region of Botswana. The southern region comprises of the south and south central regions which has twelve (12) senior secondary schools, out of which seven (07) schools were randomly sampled for the study. Both interviews and questionnaires were used as research tools. One hundred and eighty nine (189) questionnaires were distributed and only one hundred and four (104) were completed and returned. Eight interviews were conducted among school leaders. Results from the questionnaires were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and tables. Results from the interview were analyzed within a framework that was structured along the lines of the research questions. The study reveals that most of the teachers have a teaching qualification (PGDE), have adequate teaching experience, and are generally young (30-35 years). In terms of position of responsibility, most of them are clustered around senior teacher II (42.3%) and teacher/educator (36.5%). The study also reveals that schools performance is hampered largely by indiscipline and laziness towards schoolwork by both stakeholders. The school leaders must act as catalysts in creating a learning environment and be actively involved in implementing improvement strategies that help both students and teachers to enhance their learning and achievement (cf. 2. 16. 2). / Thesis (M.Ed)--North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2007

The first construct of this study is leadership styles. This well-known concept has been widely explored in the research. Many different models have germinated from the different theories developed on leadership styles, and for the purpose of this research, the leadership style model approach developed by Kurt Lewin has been used as a framework or paradigm. According to this approach, their main styles are identified. These styles are known as authoritarian style, participating style and delegative style. The second construct that this study focuses on is the psychological contract. This is a well known concept that has been widely researched. It was found to have a strong impact on employers as well as employees in the workplace. Although numerous studies have been done regarding "the experience of employee and employer obligations through perceived promises made in the reciprocal employee-organisation relationship", it is evident that further research regarding the relationship with other concepts could be of immense value. The general objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between different leadership styles and the psychological contract in work teams. A quota sample (N= 151) was taken of team leaders and their members of work teams in the Process and Maintenance departments of a Mining Factory in Lichtenburg, North West Province. The Psycones questionnaire ("Psychological Contracts among Employment Relations) was used to measure the psychological contract while the leadership style questionnaire was used to identify the different leadership styles. Data collection was done by means of structured questionnaires through exploratory research by using a cross-sectional design. Cronbach alpha coefficients, factor analysis, inter-item correlation coefficients, Pearson product moment correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The first objective of this study was to conceptualise the relationship between leadership styles and the psychological contract, which was achieved through an in depth literature review on the two constructs. A literature review on the psychological contract highlighted an integrative definition as well as an exploration of psychological contract breach and violation, and the consequences thereof. The review on the leadership styles gives a broad explanation of the different styles identified as well as the relevant impact thereof. The second objective of this study was to determine the construct validity and reliability of the leadership style questionnaire and psychological contract questionnaires. With the support from previous validated studies of these questionnaires carried out in a South African context, factor analyses and reliability analyses were nevertheless carried out and the results corresponded with the previous findings indicating the viability of these questionnaires. The third objective was to determine the relationship between the leadership styles and the psychological contract constructs. Through correlation analyses significant correlations achieved were those between the Delegate-Participative style and the Emotions of the PC as well as a positive relationship which was shown between Delegate-Participative style and the Emotions of the PC with a large effect. These conclusions sturdily propose a relationship between the Delegative-Participative Style and the PC. A multiple regression analysis with delegative-participative leadership style as dependent variable was carried out. When all component of the psychological contract were a statistically significant model was produced, with the variance explained increasing with 50%. The results indicated that a relationship exists between the delegative-participative leadership style and the psychological contract. Limitations within this research were identified, and recommendations were made for the both the profession of employers and employees in the mining company as well as for future research purposes. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This dissertation examines the influence of the psychological contract and leadership styles on the perceived performance of semi-professional rugby teams. Little research has connected the psychological contract and sport, and little research has investigated the effect of specific leader behaviours on the performance of sport teams. It was therefore the objective of this dissertation to analyse the content of the psychological contract of rugby team members, and to determine the correlation between the psychological contract and the perceived performance of rugby team members. This dissertation also set out to analyse the content of the preferred leadership style of the team captain and the own leadership style of team members, and to determine the correlation between leadership styles and perceived performance. A longitudinal research design was chosen, along with a non-probability sampling technique. The sample consisted of rugby team members from a prominent rugby-playing university in South Africa. Questionnaires were used to investigate the content of the psychological contract and preferred leadership style and own leadership style, as well as their relationship to perceived performance. The results indicated no correlation between the psychological contract and perceived performance, nor any correlation between leadership styles and perceived performance. A strong correlation, on the other hand, was found between the preferred leadership style of the team captain and the own leadership style of team members. A strong correlation between institute obligations and player obligations was also established. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Sociology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The first construct of this study is leadership styles. This well-known concept has been widely explored in the research. Many different models have germinated from the different theories developed on leadership styles, and for the purpose of this research, the leadership style model approach developed by Kurt Lewin has been used as a framework or paradigm. According to this approach, their main styles are identified. These styles are known as authoritarian style, participating style and delegative style. The second construct that this study focuses on is the psychological contract. This is a well known concept that has been widely researched. It was found to have a strong impact on employers as well as employees in the workplace. Although numerous studies have been done regarding "the experience of employee and employer obligations through perceived promises made in the reciprocal employee-organisation relationship", it is evident that further research regarding the relationship with other concepts could be of immense value. The general objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between different leadership styles and the psychological contract in work teams. A quota sample (N= 151) was taken of team leaders and their members of work teams in the Process and Maintenance departments of a Mining Factory in Lichtenburg, North West Province. The Psycones questionnaire ("Psychological Contracts among Employment Relations) was used to measure the psychological contract while the leadership style questionnaire was used to identify the different leadership styles. Data collection was done by means of structured questionnaires through exploratory research by using a cross-sectional design. Cronbach alpha coefficients, factor analysis, inter-item correlation coefficients, Pearson product moment correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The first objective of this study was to conceptualise the relationship between leadership styles and the psychological contract, which was achieved through an in depth literature review on the two constructs. A literature review on the psychological contract highlighted an integrative definition as well as an exploration of psychological contract breach and violation, and the consequences thereof. The review on the leadership styles gives a broad explanation of the different styles identified as well as the relevant impact thereof. The second objective of this study was to determine the construct validity and reliability of the leadership style questionnaire and psychological contract questionnaires. With the support from previous validated studies of these questionnaires carried out in a South African context, factor analyses and reliability analyses were nevertheless carried out and the results corresponded with the previous findings indicating the viability of these questionnaires. The third objective was to determine the relationship between the leadership styles and the psychological contract constructs. Through correlation analyses significant correlations achieved were those between the Delegate-Participative style and the Emotions of the PC as well as a positive relationship which was shown between Delegate-Participative style and the Emotions of the PC with a large effect. These conclusions sturdily propose a relationship between the Delegative-Participative Style and the PC. A multiple regression analysis with delegative-participative leadership style as dependent variable was carried out. When all component of the psychological contract were a statistically significant model was produced, with the variance explained increasing with 50%. The results indicated that a relationship exists between the delegative-participative leadership style and the psychological contract. Limitations within this research were identified, and recommendations were made for the both the profession of employers and employees in the mining company as well as for future research purposes. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This dissertation examines the influence of the psychological contract and leadership styles on the perceived performance of semi-professional rugby teams. Little research has connected the psychological contract and sport, and little research has investigated the effect of specific leader behaviours on the performance of sport teams. It was therefore the objective of this dissertation to analyse the content of the psychological contract of rugby team members, and to determine the correlation between the psychological contract and the perceived performance of rugby team members. This dissertation also set out to analyse the content of the preferred leadership style of the team captain and the own leadership style of team members, and to determine the correlation between leadership styles and perceived performance. A longitudinal research design was chosen, along with a non-probability sampling technique. The sample consisted of rugby team members from a prominent rugby-playing university in South Africa. Questionnaires were used to investigate the content of the psychological contract and preferred leadership style and own leadership style, as well as their relationship to perceived performance. The results indicated no correlation between the psychological contract and perceived performance, nor any correlation between leadership styles and perceived performance. A strong correlation, on the other hand, was found between the preferred leadership style of the team captain and the own leadership style of team members. A strong correlation between institute obligations and player obligations was also established. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Sociology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka sambandet mellan ledarstilar, den psykosociala arbetsmiljön och self-efficacy. Detta för skapa större förståelse för hur olika ledarstilar kan påverka medarbetarnas välbefinnande och prestation. Deltagarna (N = 81, mellan 19-64 år) svarade på en enkät med bakgrundsvariabler, den generella self-efficacy skalan (GSE), psykosocialarbetsmiljökart-läggning (PAK, egenkontroll, arbetsledningklimat, arbetsstimulans, arbetsgemenskap och arbetsbelastning) och ledarskapsstilar (CPE, förändring-oriented-, strukturella och produktionsinriktad och relationsorienterade). Positiva associationer om ledarstilar och den psykosociala arbetsmiljön demonstrerades, särskilt för relationsorienterade ledarstil, vilket korrelerade med alla fem huvudfaktorer i PAK. Däremot korrelerade strukturella- och produktionorienterad och förändringsorienterad inte signifikant. Ingen signifikant korrelation mellan ledarstilar och personal self-efficacy hittades. Dock var self-efficacy relaterad till anställdas upplevda psykosociala arbetsmiljö. Genom deskriptiv statistik rapporterades som medelvärden visade att anställda med mer än genomsnittet på GSEs (self-efficacy) tenderade att svara högre på alla fem huvudfaktorer för PAK.

The study of career paths within organizations is an issue that has received strong attention in the theoretical literature of organizational economics and management1. From the empirical point of view, however, research in this topic is scarcer and less comprehensive. The gap has been caused to a large extent by the unavailability of data tracking worker's career moves in employee-level surveys and by the lack of information about career management policies in firm-level data. This thesis contributes to fill such hole. It investigates how workers' careers and their behavior as managers depend on the characteristics of the firms where they work and their own personal characteristics, with a strong emphasis in the role of human capital. The research is carried out using micro data at both worker and firm level, available only in relatively recent data sets. The interaction between accumulation of human capital and workers' employment horizons has been frequently recognized as a key issue in explaining why some firms maintain long-term relationships with their employees while others remain closer to what it could be considered spot-market labor contracting. There are nonetheless important factors that have been usually absent in the literature of organizations. This is the case of internal firm structures that may improve or discourage the interactions between different hierarchical levels, affecting eventually to the costs of job change involved in promotions. Both human capital and organization-relational aspects of career paths are objects of study of this thesis. First, it is analyzed how the characteristics of employers and the markets where they work affect the general or firm-specific nature of employees' human capital and, therefore, to the type of employment relationship held. Second, it is investigated how differences in employees' personal characteristics affect their career horizons, the management of their human capital and the type of career moves done. Finally, the effects of these factors on career path outcomes are examined, in terms of leadership behavioral differences among those arriving at managerial levels. A particular attention is paid the important differences between the careers of men and women that are also found in their managerial style. Overall, the research presented here sheds light on what career management schemes adapt better to different product and labor market circumstances. It opens as well a number of challenges for the study of human resources management and shows that population-wide surveys can be very useful tools to carry out empirical investigations in this area, usually dominated by narrower and less representative surveys.