A review of servant leadership attributes: developing a practical model

Abstract

Servant leadership is an increasingly popular concept in the repertoire of leadership styles. While an intuitively attractive concept, it is systematically undefined and not yet supported by empirical research. Reviews the servant leadership literature with the intent to develop a preliminary theoretical framework. Builds a foundation for categorizing and appraising the functional and accompanying attributes of servant leaders. Once categorized, a formative, rational servant leadership attribute model is constructed. The authors call for further development of the model and empirical research to support it.

The relationship between school principals and teachers servant leadership

“…He concludes, that positive school climate can be created and maintained, using the principles of servant leadership. According to Russell and Stone (2002), servant leadership at school creates a culture of cooperation, people plan, discuss or criticize together. Accepted responsibility and continuous attempts for improvement encourage the teachers to learn together and to build learning communities.…”

Servant Leadership: The Exemplifying Behaviours

“…Empowerment is a major factor in servant leadership and should be one of its primary focus (Russell & Stone, 2002). Patterson (2003) concurs by stating that empowering people, with the best interest of those served in mind is at the heart of servant leadership.…”

“…Laub (1999) developed a conceptual model consisting of six servant leadership characteristics which include; develops people, valuing people, building community, displaying authenticity, providing leadership and sharing leadership. Page & Wong (2000) identified the following attributes; integrity, humility, servanthood, caring for others, empowering others, developing others, visioning, goal setting, leading, modeling, teambuilding and shared decision making Russell & Stone (2002) identified these attributes; Vision, modeling, communication, persuasion, honesty, pioneering, credibility, listening, integrity, appreciation, competence, encouragement, trust, empowerment, stewardship, service, delegation, visibility and influence. Patterson (2003) came up with a model which comprises of seven dimensions of agapao love, humility, altruism, vision, trust, empowerment and service.…”

“…Foresight needs to be combined with the ability to communicate the vision to and influence followers in and developing a shared vision for an organization (Hale & Fields, 2007). The central role of the servant leader is establishing a strategic vision for the organization (Covey, 1996; De Pree, 1997; Maxwell, 1998 in Russell & Stone, 2002). In the visionary role, leaders are expected to define the direction of the organization and they need to communicate what the organization stands for and how organizational values encompass the individual values of its members (Blanchard, 2000).…”

“…In servant leadership, a leader is called to serve the group members or followers while leading them. This theory advocates that a leader's primary motivation and role is to serve and meet the needs of others, which optimally should be the prime motivation for leadership (Russell & Stone, 2002). Greenleaf attached great significance to this idea that true leadership carries with it the responsibility of first seeking to serve others.…”