A systematic review of the servant leadership literature in management and hospitality
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
ISSN: 0959-6119
Article publication date: 16 October 2019
Issue publication date: 13 January 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, it systematically reviews and synthesizes research on servant leadership in management and hospitality management literature. Second, by reviewing and comparing the characteristics of the hospitality industry and servant leadership attributes, this study provides insights concerning the conceptualizations and theorization of servant leadership in hospitality management and discusses future research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study reviewed 106 articles published during the period of 1970 to 2018 in hospitality management and broader management literature.
Findings
The characteristics of the hospitality industry and servant leadership attributes were found to be mutually inclusive, both consisting qualities such as trust, integrity, honesty, care, servant behavior, listening and community focus.
Practical implications
Scholars should concentrate on exploring what makes servant leaders unique in the hospitality industry.
Originality/value
The study reviews the hospitality characteristics, and servant leadership attributes offer new research avenues.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to express his appreciation to Yuen Lam Bavik for her assistance in data analyses and extend deepest gratitude to the anonymous reviewers for their insightful suggestions.
Citation
Bavik, A. (2020), "A systematic review of the servant leadership literature in management and hospitality", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 347-382. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2018-0788
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited