Scholarly record

DISTRIBUTED LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN WORLD? THE NECESSITY OF DEVELOPING THE EMPLOYEES TOLERANCE FOR UNCERTAINTY

A. Zgrzywa-Ziemak, K. Walecka-Jankowska, A. Czerw

Abstract

The article focuses on the concept of distributed leadership (DL) in the context of growing uncertainty of organizational environment. The article discusses the study, carried out in 212 organizations - different due to the industry, the size, and form of ownership. The purpose of the study was to determine the relation between organization's environment uncertainty and the degree of leadership distribution. Research hypothesis regarding the relation between the DL and environmental uncertainty was formulated and then verified using the CFA path analysis model. Results from the study indicate that the increased environmental uncertainty does not directly affect the severity of leadership distribution in the organization. Obtained results were a basis for in-depth discussion, that proved that the relation between environmental uncertainty and DL is neither simple nor obvious. Especially when uncertainty is not considered only as an environmental feature, but as a feature of decision-makers (in the context of the subjective perception of the environment). There are important psychological conditions that will inhibit distribution of leadership in a situation in which the uncertainty felt by the employees is growing. A number of organizational and psychological factors were proposed – all contributing to incensement of employees tolerance for uncertainty and at the same time conducive to the intensification of DL.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2017/15/S05.042

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