A 7 Cs model of effective service leadership

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify attributes and practices that are salient for effectiveness in middle- and senior-level service leadership positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical incident interviews were conducted with 17 key informants, who were service leaders in various service sectors in Hong Kong, and with ten stakeholders.

Findings

Grounded theory analysis generated a 7 Cs model with seven categories of service leadership attributes and practices: character, choreography, care, creativity, charisma, collaborating and competence self-improvement, and 24 constituent concepts. There was concordance between pairs of key informants and stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could investigate the impact on frontline service leaders’ performance if one or more of the 7 Cs are perceived to be absent or deficient among leaders at more senior levels, and whether there are acceptable substitutes for particular Cs.

Practical implications

The 7 Cs model identifies service leadership attributes and practices across diverse sectors.

Originality/value

The 7 Cs model provides a map for orienting the developmental preparation of individuals, who are aspiring to become middle- and senior-level leaders in economies that have become highly dependent on service.

Citation

Zou, T.X.P., Snell, R.S., Y.L. Chan, M. and Wong, A.L.Y. (2018), "A 7 Cs model of effective service leadership", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 39 No. 6, pp. 745-761. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-01-2018-0048