The Newfound Servant Leader in High-Risk Construction: Leadership Practices Molding Sustainability, Effectiveness, and Human Retention
Loading...
Authors
Willenborg, Paul
Issue Date
2026-01
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
servant leadership , Leadership Culture , management , Social Exchange Theory , Social Exchange Theory
Alternative Title
Abstract
The commercial electrical construction industry operates within a high-risk and highly competitive environment, consistently facing challenges that hinder financial stability and organizational efficiency, thereby limiting growth opportunities. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of servant leadership in enhancing profitability within the high-risk commercial electrical construction industry. The research leveraged a mixed-methods design, integrating a qualitative case study and a quantitative survey approach to capture employees’ perceptions and their influence on financial outcomes. The participant pool comprised 13 participants representing multiple organizational levels within a high-risk electrical construction firm. Data were collected during structured interviews and surveys. Thematic analysis using NVivo software revealed convergent patterns linking servant leadership behaviors to enhanced employee empowerment, improved communication, and more effective decision-making. The quantitative findings reinforced these themes. While the study had limitations, including a small sample size and constraints on generalizability beyond the study context, the findings confirm that leadership grounded in empathy and reciprocity enhances operational and financial outcomes. The results indicate that Servant Leadership is a pragmatic, financially relevant leadership style for the high-risk construction sector. This research offers valuable strategies and tactics for industry leaders to traverse the complexities of their business, improve profit margins, and contribute to broader economic growth.