Servant leadership and well-being: A scoping review of positive organisational outcomes

Abstract

Orientation: Servant leadership is an important human resource management strategy, given its positive well-being outcomes.

Research purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a set of research studies on servant leadership that indicate direct relationships with positive psychological well-being outcomes in organisations.

Motivation for the study: Servant leadership may lead to positive psychological well-being outcomes for organisations.

Research approach/design and method: A scoping review provided evidence of research on servant leadership and positive psychological well-being. The literature was searched using computerised databases from January 2015 to November 2021. Data were extracted through content analysis from 14 scientific articles.

Main findings: Servant leadership inspire employees to reciprocate the positivity they experience by demonstrating positive feelings and attitudes towards the organisation. This approach also foster group flourishing and enhance adaptation to the work environment, resulting in increased levels of hope, happiness and engagement.

Practical/managerial implications: Human resource strategies and interventions should focus on developing servant leadership among managers and followers within organisations.

Contribution/value-add: This study contributed to the advancement of knowledge on servant leadership and positive psychological well-being within organisations.