Young professionals' perceptions of authentic leadership in Sweden.
Date
2014-08-18
Authors
Freitas, Jane Nelisa
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to investigate how followers working in Swedish
multinational corporations from the millennium generation (Generation Y) perceive
their leaders in terms of the authentic leadership (AL) model.
The literature reviewed on the subject of authentic leadership showed different views
on the topic. Gardner and Avolio (2005)’s authentic leadership model was adopted
as a guideline for the study.
A semi-structured interviewing technique was used to gather data from respondents.
Twenty young professionals from five conglomerates and two universities in
Gothenburg were interviewed. Data collected was analysed using content and
thematic analysis. Clusters were created using three categories that are founded on
the authentic leadership model as depicted by Gardner and Avolio (2005).
Key findings demonstrated that young professionals (Generation Y) in Sweden have
different perceptions of authentic leadership from their leaders. It was evident that
young professionals have set criteria that they use to measure their leadership
authenticity. Generation Y professionals revealed that their view of authentic
leadership pertains to leaders that show attributes of self-awareness, self-efficacy,
trust, give clear guidance, are competent and comfortable within their own abilities,
move with the whole group rather than with specific individuals, who always get
promotion, or get called on when there are rewards and incentives to be given away
in the workplace, they wanted secured leaders and to work with leaders that were
self-developed to deal with different characters in the business. These leaders had to
be comfortable with their own capabilities.
This research hopes to assist business and educational leaders to change their
scepticism about young professional’s capabilities and commitment to the workplace
and to view them as valuable contributors.
Description
MBA 2013
Keywords
Leadership -- Sweden,Generation Y -- Sweden.