Dit onderzoek richt zich op de vraag wat de effecten zijn van een niet-hiërarchische werkomgeving op leiderschap. Onderzocht wordt of niet-hiërarchisch leiderschap (in een matrix-, project- en netwerkorganisatie, of bij zelfsturende teams zoals bij projectmanagement) leiderschapskwaliteiten aantrekt, selecteert en behoudt. Het onderzoek toont aan, dat niet-hiërarchisch leidinggevenden hoger scoren op het persoonlijkheidskenmerk neuroticisme, vooral bij de subschalen angsten/nervositeit, ergernis, depressie, kritiekgevoeligheid en stressgevoeligheid, en lager scoren op extraversie, vooral bij de subschalen hartelijkheid, sociabiliteit en dominantie/assertiviteit. De belangrijkste conclusie van dit onderzoek is dat leiderschapskwaliteiten die samenhangen met neuroticisme en extraversie ondervertegenwoordigd lijken te zijn in een matrix-, project- en netwerk georiënteerde werkomgevingen, als ook bij innovatieprojecten en projectmanagement in het algemeen. Deze twee persoonlijkheidskenmerken hangen sterk samen met transformationeel leiderschap. De volgende kwaliteiten lijken bij niet-hiërarchisch leiderschap minder sterk ontwikkeld te zijn dan bij hiërarchisch leidinggevenden: inspirerend en enthousiasmerend vermogen, leiderschapscharisma, effectieve conflicthantering, het geven van feedback, assertiviteit, het vermogen tot het versterken van groepscohesie, bevorderen van een groeps- of teamontwikkeling richting meer autonomie en sterkere performance, initiatief met betrekking tot ondernemerschap, synergie tussen teamleden op het gebied van innovatie, kennisproductiviteit en reflectieve vaardigheden, als ook 'performance' in het algemeen in werkomgevingen met veel sociale interactie. Aanbevelingen worden gedaan met betrekking tot werving en selectie, als ook voor het opleiden en ontwikkelen van niet-hiërarchisch leidinggevenden. ABSTRACT This paper is devoted to answer the question whether nonhierarchical leadership (in a matrix, process, network structure, or in a project based work environment) attracts, selects and attains leadership qualities related to transformational (charismatic, inspiring & empowering) leadership. More in particular, we would expect leaders with lower scores concerning neuroticism, and with higher scores concerning extraversion and agreeableness. Enhancement of innovational capacities and knowledge productivity are the main motives for applying the structuring principles of a matrix, process, network organization, or of project management. The indicated personality traits are closely related to transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is needed to effectuate innovational and adaptive capacities, as well as for the enhancement of knowledge productivity in organizations. We analyzed whether significant differences could be found when personality traits of non-hierarchical (project) leaders and hierarchical operating managers are compared. Our study revealed, that non-hierarchical (project) leaders had indeed higher averages concerning neuroticism, and lower averages concerning extraversion. Neuroticism is negatively related to leadership charisma. Neuroticism, extraversion and agreeableness are related to transformational leadership in general. The overall conclusion of this study is that leadership qualities related to neuroticism and extraversion, tend to be underrepresented in the group of nonhierarchical leaders in a matrix, process or network structure, or in a project based work environment. Analyzing significant differences of the sub scales of neuroticism and extraversion revealed that these leadership qualities are specifically related to learning/adaptive capacities, feedback and conflict solving processes, knowledge productivity in teams, enhancement of group cohesion and coping with stressful situations. Furthermore, these qualities are closely related to several dimensions of transformational leadership: idealized influence, inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation. Implications for training and development, and for selection processes are discussed. Also, some recommendations are put forward, related to the enhancement of the effectiveness of applying the structuring principles of a matrix, process, network or project based work environment.
BackgroundThe prevalence of the group of workers that had a cancer diagnosis in the past is growing. These workers may still be confronted with late effects of cancer (treatment) possibly affecting their work ability. As little is known about the guidance of this group, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences and ideas of managers and professionals about the guidance of these workers in the case of late effects of cancer (treatment). Given the positive associations with work ability of the job resources autonomy, social support by colleagues and an open organisational culture found in several quantitative studies, these job resources were also discussed. Further ideas about the influences of other factors and points of attention in the guidance of this group of workers were explored.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with managers (n = 11) and professionals (n = 47). Data-collection was from November 2019 to June 2020. The data were coded and analysed using directed content analyses.ResultsThe late effects of cancer or cancer treatment discussed were physical problems, fatigue, cognitive problems, anxiety for cancer recurrence, and a different view of life. The self-employed have less options for guidance but may struggle with late effects affecting work ability in the same way as the salaried. Late effects may affect work ability and various approaches have been described. Autonomy, social support of colleagues and an open organisational culture were regarded as beneficial. It was indicated that interventions need to be tailor-made and created in dialogue with the worker.ConclusionsEspecially with respect to cognitive problems and fatigue, guidance sometimes turned out to be complicated. In general, the importance of psychological safety to be open about late effects that affect work ability was emphasized. Moreover, it is important to take the perspective of the worker as the starting point and explore the possibilities together with the worker. Autonomy is an important factor in general, and a factor that must always be monitored when adjustments in work are considered. There is a lot of experience, but there are still gaps in knowledge and opportunities for more knowledge sharing.
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