Purpose
– The purpose of this research paper is to explore how organizational leadership style is related to employee leadership skills, leadership and business trends, as well as leadership practices.
Design/methodology/approach
– In total, 547 participants representing a variety of industries and organization sizes completed an online survey on the current state of leadership at their organizations. We compared the responses of participants working in organizations using a traditional leadership style (n = 121) with those in organizations with a dynamic leadership style (n = 105).
Findings
– Consistent with hypotheses, the results show that the traditional, hierarchical and command-and-control style of organizational leadership is associated with larger leadership skills gaps, while a more dynamic, all-inclusive and collaborative leadership style is associated with smaller leadership skills gaps. Specific business trends and leadership practices partially explain the association between organizational leadership style and organizational leadership shortages. These factors provide guidance for human resources practitioners looking to set priorities and plans for fostering dynamic leadership within their organizations.
Originality/value
– This study provides insights into why the leadership deficit endures and what organizations can do to put the issue to rest. This research is unique in that it goes beyond identifying and quantifying specific leadership skills gaps to also reveal which factors may be driving these leadership deficits. This research also isolates which organizational practices and leadership approaches are associated with smaller leadership skills gaps.