Analysis of Servant Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Among Social Service Sector Employees

Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management for Complex Work Environments

Introduction

Servant leadership is a style of leadership that emphasizes serving others first. A key aspect of this style is the belief that team members are more productive and efficient when they are personally and professionally satisfied. Employee satisfaction and collaboration are crucial concepts in servant leadership (Saleem et al., 2020a; 2020b). In recent years, servant leadership has gained attention in management studies due to its focus on serving others. However, there is a need for more research on the fundamental methods that allow this leadership style to have a positive impact on administrative performance. Adopting a servant's guidance requires conscious and continuous practice to maintain its integrity (Eva et al., 2019). It starts with the innate desire to assist and serve others. Managers can provide real-life examples of employee behavior to better serve customers, create employee-involved activities, and strengthen communities (Harwiki, 2013). Employee leadership is a type of ethical leadership that ensures the needs of subordinates, employees, customers, and other stakeholders are met before individual needs (Canavesi & Minelli, 2021; Khatri et al., 2023; Belias et al., 2023a,b). Different types of leadership have been shown to contribute to the creation of knowledge-based organizations. Service leadership is a group tactic that investigates and manages key aspects to strengthen the foundations of the hierarchical pyramid and advance society (Xie, 2020). It emphasizes the importance of encouragement and consensus-seeking compared to traditional top-down leadership. Service leadership believes that the primary goal of a business should be to have a positive impact on individuals and society rather than solely focusing on income.

The social service sector plays a crucial role in fostering the well-being and development of communities by addressing various social issues and supporting individuals in need (Vidovic et al., 2021). It is comprised of a diverse range of organizations, including non-profits, charities, and government agencies; the social service sector aims to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations and promote social justice (Kong, 2008; Currie et al., 2022). Professionals in this sector work tirelessly to address issues such as poverty, homelessness, healthcare disparities, and education gaps (Wu et al., 2022; Xafis, 2020). They provide essential services, advocacy, and resources to empower individuals and communities facing challenges (Sanders & Scanlon, 2021). Collaboration between the social service sector and other stakeholders, including businesses and local governments, is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society (Moragues‐Faus, 2020; Zareen & Khan, 2023; Khan & Naim, 2023). The impact of the social service sector extends beyond immediate assistance, contributing to the overall strength and resilience of communities by fostering a sense of social cohesion and collective responsibility (Wu et al., 2022; Xafis, 2020; Moragues‐Faus, 2020).