Beyond Authority: Servant Leadership as a Catalyst for Transformation in NGOs

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore the complex influences that affect successful project outcomes within Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), with a particular focus on understanding the role and impact of Servant Leadership (SL) practices. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study utilizes Hierarchical Regression to discern mean associations and residual variations and Binary Logistic Regression to analyze categorical data in order to rigorously investigate the relationship between Servant Leadership and project performance while accounting for multiple variables and interaction effects. FINDINGS: This study confirms a positive and statistically significant correlation between servant leadership practices, like team empowerment and development support, and project success in NGOs. However, team identification moderates this relationship. High team identification amplifies the positive impact of SL, but unexpectedly, a strong interaction with team climate suggests potential downsides if interpersonal relations overshadow task focus. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study recommends that NGOs should integrate Servant Leadership principles into their organizational culture and values. This can be achieved by incorporating Servant Leadership criteria in leadership selection processes and providing continuous training to nurture the competencies associated with Servant Leadership. These actions are likely to contribute to optimized project outcomes through the judicious application of Servant Leadership. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study illuminates the intricate interplay between Servant Leadership and Social Identity Theory in shaping successful project outcomes across diverse NGOs globally. Utilizing advanced statistical methods, it uncovers nuanced interactions between leadership, team dynamics, and project outcomes. Unlike previous research, this work delves into multiple NGO contexts and regions, expanding the generalizability of findings and offering practical guidance for integrating Servant Leadership principles. By illuminating the link between Servant Leadership and NGO values, the study provides a novel perspective on nonprofit leadership effectiveness and its impact on achieving altruistic goals. This combined contribution marks a significant advancement in understanding leadership dynamics and optimizing team climate for enhanced project success in NGOs.