University of Twente Student Theses
Vulnerability in the lead? : A qualitative study researching leader vulnerability, trust, and employee motivation
Wisselink, A.J.G. (2024) Vulnerability in the lead? : A qualitative study researching leader vulnerability, trust, and employee motivation.
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| Abstract: | The concept of leader vulnerability has so far received little attention in leadership literature. Nevertheless, it potentially contributes to positive work experiences of employees. This is particularly relevant for male-dominated work environments, as vulnerability is typically less prominent here. However, what leader vulnerability entails has not become sufficiently clear yet. Hence, in the current study it was researched what leader vulnerability means to employees, its connection to employees’ trust towards the leader and employee motivation. Semi-structured interviews with male employees (N = 21) working in male-dominated work environments were conducted. Results show that leader vulnerability is mostly associated with sharing difficult matters, but encompasses giving freedom to employees too. Moreover, leader vulnerability generally contributes to a high quality and trusting relationship with the employee. This depends on leader emotion management and employees’ personal characteristics. Further, a positive connection between leader vulnerability and employee motivation was found. All in all, these findings provide an in-depth conceptualization of leader vulnerability in relation to trust and motivation. This theoretical foundation includes employees’ interpretations of leader vulnerability and helps academics understand the concept. Lastly, this research explains how vulnerability can be a tool for leaders to establish and maintain strong relationships with employees. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies, 70 social sciences in general |
| Programme: | Communication Studies MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100687 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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