Public defence in Industrial Engineering and Management, M.Sc. (Tech) Juha Äkräs
Public defence from the Aalto University School of Science, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management.
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Title of the thesis: Towards an Integrated Leadership Model
Doctoral student: Juha Äkräs
Opponent: Professor Satu Teerikangas, University of Turku
Custos: Professor Niina Nurmi, Aalto University School of Science, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
The dissertation develops and empirically tests the Integrated Leadership Model (ILM), a framework that synthesizes diverse leadership theories. It addresses the challenges related to conceptual ambiguity and fragmentation in leadership literature by clearly defining and structuring key leadership constructs within an integrated model.
The study answers three research questions. The first question, “How do different antecedents, leadership behaviors, and mediating mechanisms lead to leadership effectiveness?”, is explored through a qualitative thematic analysis of existing leadership literature. This analysis categorizes leadership antecedents, behaviors (functions and styles), mediators, and outcomes, enabling the development of the ILM.
The second question, “How can leadership functions, leadership styles, and their effects on leadership effectiveness be measured reliably and effectively?”, is answered by theoretically developing and empirically testing a survey measurement instrument that assess the leadership behaviors and effectiveness outcomes hypothesized in the ILM.
The third research question, “How are different leadership functions and styles related to leadership effectiveness directly and indirectly through mediating mechanisms?”, is explored using survey data collected from 883 knowledge workers and managers across seven Finnish organizations. Structural equation model analyses of the direct and indirect relationships between leadership behaviors, mediators, and outcomes suggest that leadership functions —including relationship leadership, results management, change leadership, and people development —along with empowering and directive leadership styles, are key drivers of leadership effectiveness. Additionally, the findings emphasize the importance of motivational mediators, particularly needs satisfaction and mastery climate.
The key contribution of the dissertation is a theoretical development and empirical test of ILM. Unlike previous models that focus on isolated aspects of leadership, the ILM offers a holistic approach to study leader traits, behaviors, motivational mediators, and outcomes in different organizational settings, e.g., hierarchical and shared leadership structures.
The ILM’s practical applications extend to leadership training, team assessments, and organizational development, providing organizations with a systematic and adaptable approach to developing leadership capabilities across various organizational contexts.
Keywords: Leadership, Management, Organization
Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/
Contact information: juha.akras@aalto.fi
Doctoral theses of the School of Science: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/52