Leadership Styles and Employee Motivation in Zambian Healthcare NGOs: A Literature Review and Analysis of Effective Practices

Abstract

Leadership styles profoundly impact employee motivation, an essential element in the efficacy of healthcare NGOs in Zambia. This literature review analyzes the effects of transformational, transactional, and servant leadership styles on staff motivation within the Zambian healthcare NGO sector. Transformational leadership, emphasizing vision, inspiration, and empowerment, is the most effective type, promoting elevated levels of employee engagement, contentment, and dedication. Transactional leadership, although proficient in attaining short-term objectives by systematic rewards and penalties, frequently fails to foster intrinsic motivation and long-term retention. Servant leadership, which prioritizes empathy, trust, and employee welfare, is congruent with the mission-oriented essence of NGOs and has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing job satisfaction and decreasing staff turnover. The review emphasizes the significance of contextual elements, including cultural and demographic variations, which require flexible leadership strategies. It is advisable to implement integrated leadership methods that merge transformational and servant leadership principles to tackle the distinct difficulties of the healthcare sector. Future research ought to investigate the enduring effects of these styles on organizational performance and personnel outcomes to inform leadership development in Zambian healthcare NGOs.

Keywords: Leadership, Transformational, Transactional, Servant, Motivation

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/15-1-04

Publication date: February 28^th 2025