The Outcomes of Servant Leadership Based on Public Service Motivation Among Employees of Kerman Municipality

Subject Areas :

Morteza Afsahi ¹ , Mohammad Jalal Kamali ² , Ameneh Firozabadi ³

1 - Department of Management, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Bardsir Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bardsir, Iran

Received: 2025-01-14 Accepted : 2025-03-10 Published : 2025-03-13

Keywords: Servant Leadership, Public Service Motivation, Mutual Trust, Kerman Municipality, Islam-Oriented Approach.,

Abstract :

Abstract:
Aims: This study aimed to investigate the impact of servant leadership on public service motivation (PSM) among employees of Kerman Municipality, with a particular focus on the mediating role of mutual trust. As a human-centred and ethical leadership approach, servant leadership emphasises meeting the needs and fostering the growth of employees, potentially serving as a key driver in enhancing their motivation to deliver effective public services.

Research Methodology: The research employed a descriptive-analytical design and utilised structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were collected from a random sample of 154 municipal employees in Kerman. Standardised questionnaires with confirmed content validity and reliability coefficients above 0.8 were used as data collection tools. Data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS3 software.

Results: The results indicated that servant leadership had a significant and positive effect on employees’ public service motivation (β = …, p < 0.05). Furthermore, mutual trust functioned as a mediating variable, strengthening the relationship between servant leadership and public service motivation. These findings suggest that servant leadership fosters internal motivation among employees through enhancing trust and interpersonal engagement in the workplace.

Originality / Value: This study underscores the importance of applying an Islam-oriented approach to servant leadership and demonstrates that such a perspective can increase employee commitment and performance within public organisations. The findings also highlight the necessity of investing in the development of both managerial and individual capabilities to improve the quality of public service delivery.

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