Servant leadership: History, a conceptual model, multicultural fit, and the servant leadership solution for continuous improvement

Abstract

This chapter presents the origin of the theoretical framework of servant leadership proposed by Robert Greenleaf. This brief history is followed up by an examination of empirical studies on the key elements of a servant leader and a conceptual model of servant leadership. In addition, this chapter explores the effectiveness of servant leadership in various international contexts based on the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness Research Programs (GLOBE) humane construct. Finally, the authors use continuous improvements programs as a process to analyze how servant leadership may help the successful implementation of continuous change.

Citation

Flint, B. and Grayce, M. (2013), "Servant leadership: History, a conceptual model, multicultural fit, and the servant leadership solution for continuous improvement", Collective Efficacy: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on International Leadership (Advances in Educational Administration, Vol. 20), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-72. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3660(2013)0000020004