Impact of servant leadership on intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which perceived servant leadership of the supervisors impacts the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction of the followers. Design/methodology/approach Servant leadership factor structure was evaluated by applying Liden et al. ’s (2008) measure, and used the second-order model to test its relationship with the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test data from 205 individuals working in service-sector organizations in Kuwait. Findings The seven-factor structure proposed by Liden et al. (2008) holds valid in this sample, thus providing greater validity for this measure to be used in similar contexts. The results also indicate that second-order factor of servant leadership positively affects both intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications Servant leadership was measured using follower perception of their leader attributes. Next, the cross-sectional data limit the ability to demonstrate causality between servant leadership and employee satisfaction. Further, data were collected only from service-sector organizations in Kuwait, which limits the generalizability of results. Practical implications This research helps in highlighting the significance of embracing more altruistic leadership approach in enhancing job satisfaction. Leaders in the analyzed region must be aware of the positive outcomes of this approach on job satisfaction, which can eventually contribute to engaged employees and their performance. Originality/value This research tries to add to the growing body of knowledge in terms of assessing relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction in the service sector in the Middle East.