Transformational leadership promotes workers' well-being

A study has suggested that a transformational leadership style, which is valued for stimulating innovation and worker performance, is also associated with increased well-being among employees.

The new research by Christine Jacobs of University of Cologne and colleagues, found that a transformational leadership style, which conveys a sense of trust and meaningfulness and individually challenges and develops employees, could lead to greater employee well-being.

Workers at six German information and communication technology companies were surveyed regarding their employer's leadership style.

A transformational leadership score was based on qualities such as leading by example, making employees feel they are contributing to a common goal, providing intellectual stimulation, and giving positive feedback for good performance.

Employees also completed a standard test of psychological well-being.

Based on the results, employees perceiving a higher degree of transformational leadership are likelier to experience well-being, the researchers wrote.

The effect of transformational leadership remained significant after accounting for other factors linked to well-being, such as age, education, and job strain.

The findings have been published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).