The Concept of Servant Leadership in Business Management

Abstract

This concept paper is a response to the calls for more research on servant leadership. It was propelled by the fact that many studies on leadership have focused on transformational leadership and team leadership in a midst of increasing interest on servant leadership. Although the servant leadership concept has been criticized for lack of empirical evidence, it is a viable option for this age which has been characterized by unethical dealings in the business world. In this situation, a leadership concept that appeals to human morals might therefore be the solution. The paper is based on literature search that seeks to explain the concept of servant leadership in business management by identifying its attributes, its antecedences and its outcomes. It also sought to make a distinction between leadership and management, authority and power in the context of servant leadership. A conceptual framework on servant leadership is then proposed. Practical examples on servant leadership as well as its criticisms are discussed. The conceptual framework will guide the organizations that seek to try out the servant leadership concept in their operations. It will also help individuals with the desire to become servant leaders on what is expected of them. Adoption of the servant leadership concept in organizations will also reduce the occurrences of business failures and financial scandals.

Ondofolo’s leadership in Christian perspective: A study based on Papuan-Indonesian local wisdom

“…Therefore, leaders who serve rather than impose, they empower rather than control. They see their job as a calling not a career (Muzira & Muzira 2020). A servant leader is not just a servant waiting for instructions, but a leader who shows initiative, takes risks, assumes ownership, provides structure and takes responsibility for failures (Sousa & Van Dierendonck 2017).…”

“…The strongest effect found was on health; organisations led by servant leaders create an environment in which followers feel and indeed are healthier (Lynch & Friedman 2013). Leadership includes seven dimensions, including love, humility, altruism, vision, trust, empowerment and service (Muzira & Muzira 2020). There are 10 characteristics of servant leaders, namely listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualisation, foresight, stewardship, commitment to growing people and building community (Du Plessis & Nkambule 2020; Lynch & Friedman 2013).…”

“…Functional attributes are 'operative qualities, characteristics, and traits possessed by leaders and observed through the behaviour of certain leaders at work'. The nine functional attributes are vision, honesty, integrity, trust, service, exemplary, pioneering, respect for others, and empowerment (Muzira & Muzira 2020).…”

“…The values of Ondofolo's leadership are the values of Christian leadership. Leadership is very important in any business, especially in ministry because you have to be dedicated, committed, visionary and have the motivation to make things happen (Muzira & Muzira 2020). There is no leader who can lead without serving; a leader must be humble and ready to carry that attitude through service to others (Quacoe-Takrama 2021).…”