BA 301 final project_ Leadership

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1 Alzaidi Leadership In The Workforce Project Author(s): Nora Alzaidi Project Type : Research Paper Course: BA 302 Instructor: Talya Bauer Final term project 03/01/2024

2 Alzaidi Introduction Leadership has been an Important aspect in the workforce for many years. It has evolved over time with the changes in society, work dynamics, and individual expectations. Despite the numerous changes, one thing has remained constant - the need for effective leadership. In this paper, we will discuss the concept of leadership in the workforce, its impact, and the challenges leaders face in today's ever-changing work environment. Firstly, what exactly is leadership? Leadership can be defined as the ability to guide, motivate, and influence a group of individuals towards a common goal. In the workforce, leaders are responsible for setting the vision, direction, and tone for the organization. They are the driving force behind the success of a company and play a crucial role in employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational success. Effective leadership is not just about giving orders and delegating tasks; it is about inspiring and empowering individuals to perform at their best. The impact of leadership in the workforce cannot be underestimated. A strong leader can create a positive work culture, boost employee morale, and foster a sense of teamwork. On the other hand, a weak or ineffective leader can lead to low employee motivation, high turnover rates, and a negative work environment. Moreover, leaders also have a significant impact on the company's bottom line. Studies have shown that organizations with strong and effective leaders experience higher levels of productivity, innovation, and profitability. However, being a leader in today's workforce is not an easy task. With the rise of globalization, rapid technological changes, and a diverse workforce, leaders face many challenges. One of the biggest challenges is managing a multigenerational workforce. With the baby boomer generation retiring and the millennials becoming the largest working group, leaders must find ways to bridge the generation gap and create a cohesive work

3 Alzaidi environment. Moreover, technology has made work more fluid and fast-paced, requiring leaders to be adaptable and open to change. Another challenge for leaders in the workforce is maintaining a work-life balance. With the increasing demands of the job, it can be challenging to disconnect and switch off from work. As leaders, they are constantly under pressure to perform and lead by example, making it essential to find a balance to avoid burnout and maintain mental and physical well-being. In conclusion, leadership in the workforce plays a vital role in the success of an organization. It requires a combination of skills, including effective communication, empathy, adaptability, and strategic thinking. A good leader can inspire and motivate their team to achieve their goals and drive the company's success. In today's ever-changing work environment, it is crucial for leaders to continuously adapt and improve their leadership skills to navigate through challenges and ensure the continuous growth and success of their organization.

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4 Alzaidi Summary of literature review and interviews The role of leadership in the workforce has long been recognized as a crucial factor in the success and effectiveness of a team or organization. In this literature review, we will explore different perspectives and findings on leadership behaviors and their impact on employee engagement, team effectiveness, and organizational culture. One recurring theme throughout the sources is the importance of engaging and servant leadership behaviors. Mazzetti and Schaufeli (2022) found that engaging leadership, which involves energizing, empowering, and connecting with employees, has a positive impact on employee engagement and team effectiveness. Similarly, Zada et al. (2022) found that servant leadership, which prioritizes the well-being and development of employees, leads to lower levels of knowledge hoarding and better team performance. These findings suggest that leadership behaviors that focus on employee needs and foster positive relationships can have a significant impact on team dynamics and productivity. Another factor that emerged in the literature is the role of a leader's personality and values in shaping organizational culture. The study by Kim et al. (2023) found that a CEO's personality directly influences the culture of their company, highlighting the importance of values-based leadership. This is supported by the findings of Chang et al. (2021), who suggest that frontline managers who exhibit value-based leadership behaviors are more likely to shape the culture of

5 Alzaidi their teams and organizations. These results indicate that a leader's personal values and behaviors can influence the values and behaviors of their team and organization as a whole. In addition to engaging and value-based leadership, the literature also emphasizes the importance of certain attitudes and behaviors in successful leadership. The article by "Successful leadership attitudes and behaviors" (2022) from Western Governors University highlights qualities such as integrity, empathy, and self-awareness as crucial for effective leadership. Similarly, "Understanding leadership" (2024) from Harvard Business Review discusses traits such as vision, humility, and resilience as essential for leaders. These findings suggest that certain attitudes and behaviors are necessary for successful leadership, and leaders must work on developing these qualities to inspire and guide their teams. Finally, the review also includes the perspective of employees and their perceptions of leadership behaviors. The article "The leadership behavior that's most important to employees" (2015) from Harvard Business Review discusses the impact of leadership on employee satisfaction and commitment, highlighting the importance of leaders' ability to listen and involve their employees in decision-making processes. The study by "What managerial leadership behaviors do" (2012) also focuses on employees' perceptions and found that supportive and empowering leadership behaviors are the most valued by employees. These findings highlight the importance of creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered by their leaders. In conclusion, the literature review presents a variety of perspectives on leadership in the workforce. It highlights the crucial role of leadership behaviors in employee engagement, team

6 Alzaidi effectiveness, and organizational culture. The findings suggest that leaders who prioritize employee needs, exhibit value-based behaviors, and possess certain attitudes and traits are more likely to inspire and guide their teams to success. However, further research is needed to better understand the complexity and dynamics of leadership in the constantly evolving workforce. From the 2 interviews that were conducted, we can see that having strong emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to motivate and inspire others are essential qualities for effective leadership. Additionally, being open-minded, adaptable, and able to make difficult decisions are also crucial in handling challenging situations. Both interviewees emphasized the importance of listening to and valuing team members, creating a positive and inclusive work culture, and continuously developing leadership skills. Kelly's example of successfully meeting a tight deadline through effective leadership and teamwork shows the importance of remaining calm and taking an objective approach in stressful situations. As a leader, it is essential to remain level-headed and delegate tasks effectively, while also maintaining transparency and providing a backup plan. Bassma's experience in marketing highlights the need for creativity, data analysis, and adaptability in leadership roles in this fast-paced industry. Her approach of setting clear goals, providing feedback, and encouraging breaks for team members illustrates how leaders can maintain motivation and productivity in their teams. Both interviewees also emphasize the importance of continuous learning and seeking feedback to improve as a leader. They also emphasize the importance of being a servant leader, putting the needs and development of team members first.

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7 Alzaidi In conclusion, these interviews highlight the common qualities and approaches of successful leaders, regardless of the industry. It is essential for individuals aspiring to become leaders to continuously work on developing these qualities and being open to learning and growth. By being supportive, inclusive, and leading by example, effective leaders can create a positive and productive work environment for their teams.

8 Alzaidi Interviews and Literature Review Thematic Analysis This interview is conducted with my manager at J-Jill clothing boutique. Interviewer: Hello, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and experience with leadership? Kelly: Of course, it's my pleasure. I have been in various leadership roles for over 10 years now. I started out as a team leader in my first job, and from there, I have held managerial and executive positions in different industries such as marketing, finance, and technology. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to lead diverse teams and handle challenging situations, allowing me to develop and refine my leadership skills. Interviewer: That's impressive. In your opinion, what qualities make a good leader? Kelly: In my experience, a good leader should possess strong emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate their team. They should also be adaptable, open-minded, and able to make difficult decisions when needed. Being a good listener and having empathy towards their team members are also important characteristics of a good leader. Interviewer: Can you share a specific example of a challenging situation you have faced as a leader and how you overcame it? Kelly: Sure, in one of my previous roles, our team was faced with a tight deadline to deliver a project. However, due to unexpected technical issues, we were falling behind. As a leader, I had to remain calm and assess the situation objectively. I delegated tasks effectively, communicated

9 Alzaidi transparently with my team and made sure we had a backup plan in case the issues persisted. Through effective leadership and teamwork, we were able to meet the deadline successfully. Interviewer: How do you ensure that your team stays motivated and productive? Kelly: As a leader, it's essential to have a clear and shared vision with the team. Regular communication and providing regular feedback and recognition are also important. I also encourage my team to develop their skills and provide opportunities for growth and learning. It's also essential to maintain a positive and inclusive work culture, where team members feel valued and supported. Interviewer: Lastly, what advice do you have for individuals aspiring to become effective leaders? Kelly: My advice would be to always lead with integrity, be open to learning from others, and never stop developing your leadership skills. Seek feedback from your team and continuously work on improving yourself. And most importantly, be a servant leader, always putting the needs and development of your team members first. Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It was great Kelly: Thank you, my pleasure.

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10 Alzaidi Second interviewee: Bassma, my co-worker and my classmate in the PHE 275 course I am taking this term. Interviewer: Hello Bassma, thank you for taking some time to talk with me today. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your experience in marketing? Bassma: Sure, thank you for having me. I am a marketing intern currently studying at Portland State University. I have had previous experience working in marketing roles for different companies, both through internships and part-time jobs. I am passionate about the field and excited to continue learning and growing in my career. Interviewer: What qualities do you think are important for a leader to have in the marketing industry? Bassma: I believe that a good leader in marketing needs to have excellent communication skills, be able to think creatively, and have a deep understanding of the market and target audience. They should also be able to adapt to changing trends and be open to exploring new ideas and strategies. Leadership in marketing also requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions. Interviewer: Can you tell us about a challenging project or situation you have faced in your marketing experience and how you handled it? Bassma: One challenge I faced was when I was working on a social media campaign for a new product launch. We were facing a tight deadline, and our team was struggling to come up with engaging content ideas. As a leader in the team, I took the initiative to brainstorm with my team and come up with a creative concept that would catch our target audience's attention. We were

11 Alzaidi able to successfully launch the campaign on time and received positive feedback from our audience. Interviewer: How do you keep yourself and your team motivated and productive in a fast-paced industry like marketing? Bassma: I believe in setting clear goals and expectations and providing timely feedback and positive reinforcement when the team meets these goals. As a leader, I also make sure to listen to any concerns or challenges my team may be facing and find solutions together. I also encourage my team to take breaks and recharge when needed to avoid burnout. Interviewer: What advice do you have for aspiring marketers who want to become good leaders in their field? Bassma: My advice would be to constantly seek learning opportunities and stay updated on industry trends and strategies. Develop strong communication and collaboration skills and always be open to feedback and criticism. As a leader, it's important to remember to lead by example and be a supportive and inclusive leader for your team. Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your perspective with us, Bassma. It was a pleasure talking with you. Effective leadership plays a crucial role in the success of any organization. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the behaviors and attitudes of leaders in the workplace. Many studies have been conducted to explore the impact of leadership on employee engagement, team effectiveness, and organizational culture. Through a thematic analysis of existing literature, several themes emerged regarding leadership in the workforce. A common

12 Alzaidi theme among the sources is the importance of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Mazzetti and Schaufeli (2022) found that engaging leadership, which involves leaders showing genuine care and concern for their team members, positively impacts employee engagement and team effectiveness. Similarly, Audrey Kim et al. (2023) assert that a CEO's emotional intelligence has a significant influence on their company's culture. This highlights the need for leaders to possess high emotional intelligence in order to create a positive and productive work environment. Another recurring theme is the role of communication in successful leadership. Zada et al. (2022) found that servant leadership behavior, which includes effective communication and listening skills, can reduce knowledge hoarding in the workplace. This highlights the importance of transparent and open communication in building trust and fostering collaboration among team members. In line with this, successful leaders are also known to provide regular feedback and recognition to their team members (Harvard Business Review, 2020). Adaptive and flexible leadership is also a crucial theme in the literature. According to Western Governors University (2022), successful leaders possess adaptability and open-mindedness, which allows them to respond to changing situations and trends. They also display strong decision-making skills, as noted by Chang et al. (2021), who assert that effective leaders have the ability to make difficult decisions when needed. This highlights the importance of leaders being able to navigate through challenges and steer their teams towards success. Lastly, the concept of servant leadership emerges as a significant theme in the literature. Bassma's interview highlighted the importance of servant leadership in her experience and

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13 Alzaidi research supports this. In a study by Peterson and Peterson (2012), employees reported that leaders who displayed servant leadership behaviors such as humility, empathy, and empowerment had a more positive impact on their work experience. This further emphasizes the importance of leaders prioritizing the needs and development of their team members. Overall, through the interviews and literature review, it is evident that effective leadership in the workforce goes beyond having technical skills and expertise. It involves having high emotional intelligence, effective communication, adaptability, and a focus on servant leadership. By embodying these qualities

14 Alzaidi Annotated Bibliography Mazzetti, G., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2022). The impact of engaging leadership on employee engagement and team effectiveness: A longitudinal, multi-level study on the mediating role of personal- and team resources. This article discusses the relationship between engaging leadership and its impact on employee engagement and team effectiveness. The authors conducted a longitudinal, multi-level study and found that personal and team resources play a mediating role in this relationship. Zada, S., Khan, J., Saeed, I., Jun, Z. Y., Vega-Muñoz, A., & Contreras-Barraza, N. (2022, April 13). Servant leadership behavior at workplace and knowledge hoarding: A moderation mediation examination. This article explores the relationship between servant leadership behavior and knowledge hoarding in the workplace. The authors used moderation and mediation techniques to examine this relationship and found that servant leadership behavior has a significant impact on reducing knowledge hoarding behavior among employees. What leaders really do. Harvard Business Review. (2023, April 4). This article from Harvard Business Review discusses the activities that leaders engage in and the common misconceptions about leadership. It provides valuable insights into the true role of a leader and the impact of their behavior on the success of an organization. Successful leadership attitudes and behaviors. Western Governors University. (2022, October 24). This article from Western Governors University explores the attitudes and behaviors that contribute to successful leadership. It discusses the importance of traits such as integrity,

15 Alzaidi communication, and adaptability in leaders and the impact on employee satisfaction and company success. Libretexts. (2021, March 2). 12.5: Behavioral approaches to leadership. Business LibreTexts. This resource from Libretexts provides an overview of behavioral approaches to leadership. It discusses different styles of leadership behavior, such as task-oriented and relationship-oriented, and how they can impact employee motivation and performance. Chang, S. M., Budhwar, P., & Crawshaw, J. (2021, April 6). The emergence of value-based leadership behavior at the frontline of management: A role theory perspective and future research agenda. This article discusses the emergence of value-based leadership behavior at the frontline of management. It provides a role theory perspective and suggests a future research agenda for studying this type of leadership behavior. Audrey Kim, Kim, A., O’Reilly, C. A., Cao, X., & Sull, D. (2023, August 1). Follow the leader: How a CEO’s personality is reflected in their company’s culture. Stanford Graduate School of Business. This article from the Stanford Graduate School of Business examines the relationship between a CEO's personality and the culture of their company. It suggests that a CEO's behavior and values significantly impact the culture and performance of their organization. The leadership behavior that’s most important to employees. Harvard Business Review. (2020, May 28). This article from Harvard Business Review discusses the most important leadership

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16 Alzaidi behavior to employees. It argues that focusing on individualized consideration and a positive emotional tone is crucial for gaining the trust and loyalty of employees. Understanding leadership. Harvard Business Review. (2024, February 16). This article from Harvard Business Review provides a comprehensive look into leadership and its different components. It explores key concepts such as leadership styles, approaches, and behaviors, and discusses the impact of leadership on organizational success. What managerial leadership behaviors do . (2012, February 1). This research article examines the managerial leadership behaviors that contribute to employee motivation and job satisfaction. The authors conducted a study and identified six key behaviors, including recognition, communication, and support, that have a significant impact on employee attitudes.

17 Alzaidi Interviews documentation List of Prepared Interview Questions First interview Name (real or pseudonym): Kelly Where they work/what they do: Store manager How you found them/know them: My manager Where the interview took place (location, zoom, phone call, etc.): In-person at our store Questions asked 1. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and experience with leadership? 2. That's impressive. In your opinion, what qualities make a good leader? 3. Can you share a specific example of a challenging situation you have faced as a leader and how you overcame it? 4. How do you ensure that your team stays motivated and productive? 5. Lastly, what advice do you have for individuals aspiring to become effective leaders? Second interview Name (real or pseudonym): Bassma Where they work/what they do: Sales Lead How you found them/know them: My co-worker and classmate Where the interview took place (location, zoom, phone call, etc.): In-person at PSU campus Questions asked 1. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your experience in marketing? 2. What qualities do you think are important for a leader to have in the marketing industry?

18 Alzaidi 3. Can you tell us about a challenging project or situation you have faced in your marketing experience and how you handled it? 4. How do you keep yourself and your team motivated and productive in a fast-paced industry like marketing? 5. What advice do you have for aspiring marketers who want to become good leaders in their field?

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19 Alzaidi Work cited Mazzetti, G., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2022). The impact of engaging leadership on employee engagement and team effectiveness: A longitudinal, multi-level study on the mediating role of personal- and team resources. PLOS ONE , 17 (6), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269433 Zada, S., Khan, J., Saeed, I., Jun, Z. Y., Vega-Muñoz, A., & Contreras-Barraza, N. (2022, April 13). Servant leadership behavior at workplace and knowledge hoarding: A moderation mediation examination . Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.888761/full What leaders really do . Harvard Business Review. (2023, April 4). https://hbr.org/2001/12/what-leaders-really-do? Successful leadership attitudes and behaviors . Western Governors University. (2022, October 24). https://www.wgu.edu/blog/successful-leadership-attitudes- behaviors2006.html Libretexts. (2021, March 2). 12.5: Behavioral approaches to leadership . Business LibreTexts. https://biz.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Management/Organizational_Behavior_(OpenStax)/ Chang, S. M., Budhwar, P., & Crawshaw, J. (2021, April 6). The emergence of value-based leadership behavior at the frontline of management: A role theory perspective and future research agenda . Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635106/full

20 Alzaidi Audrey Kim, Kim, A., O’Reilly, C. A., Cao, X., & Sull, D. (2023, August 1). Follow the leader: How a CEO’s personality is reflected in their company’s culture . Stanford Graduate School of Business. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/follow-leader-how- ceos-personality-reflected-their-companys-culture The leadership behavior that’s most important to employees . Harvard Business Review. (2020, May 28). https://hbr.org/2015/05/the-leadership-behavior-thats-most-important-to- employees Understanding leadership . Harvard Business Review. (2024, February 16). https://hbr.org/2004/01/understanding-leadership What managerial leadership behaviors do . (2012, February 1). https://journalofleadershiped.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/11_1_Peterson-and- Peterson.pdf

BA 301 final project_ Leadership

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