Title: The correlation between different leadership styles and satisfaction among members of the Styrian Volunteer Fire Department

Authors: Vito Bobek; Jennifer Harrer; Tatjana Horvat

Addresses: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva ploščad 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia ' University of Applied Sciences, FH Joanneum, Eggenberger Allee 11, 8020 Graz, Austria ' Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva 5, p.p. 761. SI-6101 Koper, Slovenia

Abstract: Operational organisations, like a fire department, demonstrate exceptionally high levels of volunteer satisfaction. The study aims to determine if specific leadership styles used by fire department leaders contribute to these satisfaction levels. The study employs a comprehensive research approach, combining a literature review and quantitative research. A survey gathers empirical data on leadership styles, satisfaction levels, and demographics. Correlations between leadership styles and member satisfaction were weak but statistically significant. Democratic and transformational styles correlate positively, while authoritarian and laissez-faire styles negatively correlate with member satisfaction. The study acknowledges certain limitations, including the use of multiple-choice questions, the scope limited to the Styrian Volunteer Fire Department, and potential response biases.

Keywords: leadership styles; satisfaction; learning; voluntary fire department.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2024.142040

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2024 Vol.36 No.4, pp.425 - 466

Received: 26 Sep 2023
Accepted: 26 Oct 2023
Published online: 07 Oct 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article