The Concept of Servant Leadership in Business Management

Abstract

This concept paper is a response to the calls for more research on servant leadership. It was propelled by the fact that many studies on leadership have focused on transformational leadership and team leadership in a midst of increasing interest on servant leadership. Although the servant leadership concept has been criticized for lack of empirical evidence, it is a viable option for this age which has been characterized by unethical dealings in the business world. In this situation, a leadership concept that appeals to human morals might therefore be the solution. The paper is based on literature search that seeks to explain the concept of servant leadership in business management by identifying its attributes, its antecedences and its outcomes. It also sought to make a distinction between leadership and management, authority and power in the context of servant leadership. A conceptual framework on servant leadership is then proposed. Practical examples on servant leadership as well as its criticisms are discussed. The conceptual framework will guide the organizations that seek to try out the servant leadership concept in their operations. It will also help individuals with the desire to become servant leaders on what is expected of them. Adoption of the servant leadership concept in organizations will also reduce the occurrences of business failures and financial scandals.