The Conceptualization of Leadership Behavior on Follower Job Performance and Organizational Culture: A Qualitative Case Study of Law Enforcement Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of leadership influence on follower job performance and organizational culture within a university police department. A case study research approach was used to answer the following four questions: (1) What relationship exists between perceived leader effectiveness and follower job performance? (2) How do leaders and followers conceptualize effective leader/follower interactions? (3) How do leaders define and describe effective leadership? and (4) How do followers define and describe effective leadership? Qualitative research methodology was used in the data collection process. This was facilitated by semi-structured interviews with employees at one university police department. A total of five participants (two leaders and three followers) participated in the interview process. The data analysis stage included a deductive analytical approach using The Leadership Grid (1985) by Blake and Mouton. The Leadership Grid assists in identifying how the study participants perceive the organization’s leadership in terms of concern for people and concern for production. Based on the collected data, the deductive findings lend support for an organizational leadership approach of Team Management. Additionally, an inductive analytical approach was used to identify common themes or patterns emerging from the data. The most prominent themes related to effective leader/follower relationships were (1) adaptability in managing people, (2) empowerment, (3) knowing the people you work with, and (4) recognition. The data support a need for additional research in the subject of effective mental health care for law enforcement professionals.