J Occup Environ Med. 2013 Jul;55(7):772-8. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182972ee5.

The influence of transformational leadership on employee well-being: results from a survey of companies in the information and communication technology sector in Germany.

Jacobs C¹, Pfaff H, Lehner B, Driller E, Nitzsche A, Stieler-Lorenz B, Wasem J, Jung J.

Author information

1: Faculty of Human Science and Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Sociology, Health Services Research and Rehabilitation Science (IMHR), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. cjacobs@smail.uni-koeln.de

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a transformational leadership style on employee well-being.

METHODS:

Data for the study were taken from an on-line survey of all employees from six German companies in the information and communication technology sector. The data obtained were analyzed using multiple logistic regressions.

RESULTS:

Analysis of data from a total of 318 employees (response rate 58.4%) revealed a significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee well-being (P = 0.00; OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.22). A higher degree of perceived transformational leadership is associated with greater well-being.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study suggest that a transformational leadership style, which both conveys a sense of trust and meaningfulness and individually challenges and develops employees, also has a positive effect on employee well-being.