Mahatma Gandhi is widely known for serving as a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement where the Indian people and the Indian National Congress sought to free themselves from Britain’s governmental control (Acharya, 2019). Gandhi is also very well known for his “philosophy of non-violence”(Whipps, 2008) as throughout the Indian independence movement Gandhi advocated for only the use of ethical and nonviolent actions to progress the movement. He devoted his entire life to leading and supporting the Indian independence movement and went to extensive lengths to show his commitment to the movement, like by engaging in intense fasting to protest against the British government (Acharya, 2019). Gandhi’s extensive commitment to this movement also took the form of embracing himself and living within impoverished communities within India to get a real feeling of what their lives were like and how he could address their hardships through the movement. His devotion to the Indian independence movement inspired many other civil rights leaders around the world (Whipps, 2008) and made profound impacts on India. Gandhi serves as an excellent example of servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255), as he exemplified all of the characteristics of a servant leader (Northouse, 2022, p.255) and extensively embraced the moral and ethical aspects that are distinctly unique to servant leadership.

The “antecedent, or existing, conditions” that may have had an impact on the servant leadership situation that faced Gandhi may have included the leadership “context and culture”(Northouse, 2022, p.259), the attributes (Northouse, 2022, p.259) of Gandhi, and his people’s “receptivity”(Northouse, 2022, p.259) to his leadership style. It was stated in the text that leadership “occurs within a given organizational context and a particular culture”(Northouse, 2022, p.260) and that cultures with large power distances (Northouse, 2022, p.260), like India at the time, “may present more of a challenge”(Northouse, 2022, p.260) in terms of accepting and embracing the servant leadership style. Although this may have initially been posed as an issue at the beginning of Gandhi’s servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) within the Indian independence movement, Gandhi did an excellent job of gaining support from all power levels within the country by building a sense of community (Northouse, 2022, p.256) within his followers as they were united to improving India. Gandhi may have also been an especially successful servant leader (Northouse, 2022, p.255) as he embodied all of the “attributes”(Northouse, 2022, p.259) necessary for the successful execution of this form of leadership. In addition, Gandhi’s and the Indian independence movements followers may have been more receptive (Northouse, 2022, p.260) to Gandhi’s servant leadership style as they may have “desired it”(Northouse, 2022, p.261) due to the poor conditions of the country and a need for change within the country.

There were “Ten Characteristics of a Servant Leader”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) outlined in the text, which Gandhi embraced and exemplified all ten of these servant leadership characteristics (Northouse, 2022, p.255). These characteristics include listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community (Northouse, 2022, p.255-256). Gandhi demonstrated the “Servant Leader”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) characteristic of “Listening”(Northouse, 2022, p.255), which “involves hearing and being receptive to what others have to say”(Northouse, 2022, p.255). Gandhi demonstrated the characteristic of “Listening”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) by visiting with all of the social classes of India and inquiring about their hardships, social inequalities, and broader societal issues. To accomplish this, Gandhi sought out and embedded himself within the rural and poor areas of the country and sought to hear from these people themselves and to visually see and experience their hardships to get a real understanding of their experiences. Gandhi emphasized a holistic perspective and incorporated and accepted the ideas of all of the people in the Indian society into his vision and goals for the country. Furthermore, his listening skills extended beyond his own people as he also engaged in listening, and more specifically negotiation, with both Indian and British leaders to help further the social movement. Gandhi appeared to understand the importance of listening and engaging with both sides of the social movement in order to help the social movement’s progression.

The characteristic of “Empathy”(Northouse, 2022, p.255), which refers to “standing in the shoes” of another person and attempting to see the world from that person’s point of view” (Northouse, 2022, p.255) was demonstrated extraordinarily well by Gandhi. Gandhi is most well known for demonstrating empathy by dedicating himself and his life to putting himself in the shoes of the less fortunate in India by “living as much among the people as possible”(Acharya, 2019). It was stated in an article by Forbes that “Gandhi’s most well-known, and most-studied, leadership trait was his willingness to live like the majority of Indians that he sought to help”(Acharya, 2019). Since Gandhi embodied the lifestyles and embraced the living conditions of these people it may be stated that he truly understood “what followers are thinking and feeling”(Northouse, 2022, p.255). Overall, Gandhi made a tremendous effort to empathize (Northouse, 2022, p.255) with the people in his country.

It was stated in the text that the servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) characteristic of “Healing”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) “means to make whole”(Northouse, 2022, p.255). Gandhi wanted nothing more than to heal and make his country, India, whole again, as they were facing several societal and economic issues that were tearing the country apart. More specifically, this leadership characteristic implies that “Servant leaders care about the personal well-being of their followers”(Northouse, 2022, p.255), which Gandhi definitely cared deeply about “the personal well-being of”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) his followers, as he devoted his life to trying to enhance their well-being and quality of life.

The servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) characteristic of “Awareness”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) refers to “a quality within servant leaders that makes them acutely attuned and receptive to their physical, social, and political environments”(Northouse, 2022, p.255). Gandhi embodied “Awareness”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) in his leadership style “by understanding the diversity of India and its people – economically, culturally, religiously, and deeply integrating that diversity into the Independence movement”(Acharya, 2019). It may be stated that a large portion of Gandhi’s “Awareness”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) came from his encounters with his people and his efforts to live amongst them, specifically regarding the less fortunate people in his country.

Gandhi took on a different form of the servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) characteristic of “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256), which refers to the changes made “through the use of gentle nonjudgmental argument”(Northouse, 2022, p.256). In order to “Persuade”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) the Indian population, the Indian National Congress (Acharya, 2019), opposing factions of the country, the British government (Acharya, 2019), and other countries abroad of the Indian independence movement Gandhi had to utilize many different “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) tactics. For example, to persuade (Northouse, 2022, p.256) the Indian population of the Indian independence movement it was stated that because he lived “comfortably among villagers and the urban poor – to be the change he wished to see, brought him the credibility, trust and intellectual understanding needed to lead India’s independence movement”(Acharya, 2019). In other words, making connections with the Indian people helped him to establish the “credibility, trust, and intellectual understanding needed to”(Acharya, 2019) persuade (Northouse, 2022, p.256) the Indian people to join and support the movement. Another “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) tactic that Gandhi utilized took the form of fasting. It was specifically stated in an article by Forbes that he used “his ability to … fast as a social and political weapon”(Acharya, 2019). Furthermore, it was also stated that “Over the course of his life time, Gandhi fasted 14 times for social, religious or political purposes”(Acharya, 2019), which this type of behavior may be considered a form of protest, which is a form of “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256). Peaceful, non-violent, protests or public demonstrations was another “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) tactic that Gandhi utilized to persuade the British government. It should also be noted that Gandhi’s personal sacrifices and dedication to the movement may have also served to persuade (Northouse, 2022, p.256) the Indian people of the importance of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi also encouraged his followers to engage in non-violent civil disobedience by refusing to work with and abide by any of the unjust laws imposed by or authorities of the British government. Overall, all of the “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) tactics endorsed and utilized by Gandhi and his followers were ethical non-violent acts of “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256), as Gandhi strictly prohibited the endorsement of any violent acts of “Persuasion”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) to use to advance the Indian independence movement.

The servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) characteristic or “cognitive ability”(PSU WC, L.11, p.5) of “Conceptualization”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) “refers to an individual’s ability to be a visionary for an organization, providing a clear sense of its goals and direction”(Northouse, 2022, p.256). It was stated in an article by Forbes that “Gandhi’s greatest leadership trait was his ability to visualize the qualities of a successful, post-Independence Indian nation, and maintain a life-long focus on the four intertwined challenges that he believed must be collectively addressed for India to achieve success as a nation”(Acharya, 2019). This implies that Gandhi was a strong “visionary”(Acharya, 2019) for his country as he identified deficiencies or problems in the country, established four concrete goals for reviving the country, and provided direction for his followers by continuously leading them through the Indian independence movement. For example, the four goals Gandhi established for the Indian independence movement were “to free India from British occupation, to end untouchability, to improve relations between Hindus and Muslims, and to make India into a self-reliant nation – economically and socially”(Acharya, 2019). It may be stated that Gandhi envisioned, adhered to, and continuously worked to advance the “long-term goals”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) of the Indian independence movement.

It was stated in the text that the servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) characteristic of “Foresight”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) “encompasses a servant leader’s ability to know the future”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) or “to predict what is coming based on what is occurring in the present and what has happened in the past”(Northouse, 2022, p.256). One way in which Gandhi had “Foresight”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) was through the strategic development of his goals of the Indian independence movement and long-term vision for India, as these goals and his vision expressed the ultimate goals of India and what Gandhi and others envisioned what was best for the future of the country to thrive and prosper. Another way in which Gandhi used “Foresight”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) to predict the future of the Indian independence movement was through his strategies, as it was stated that “He believed firmly that without addressing all four challenges simultaneously, India could not acquire independence and become a successful nation”(Acharya, 2019).

The servant leadership characteristic of “Stewardship”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) refers to the leader’s “responsibility for the leadership role entrusted in the leader”(Northouse, 2022, p.256). The “Stewardship”(Northouse, 2022, p.256)  Gandhi embodied within the Indian independence movement took the form of continuously and conscientiously taking care of and guiding the movement and ensuring ethicality throughout the movement’s implementation. Gandhi emphasized ethical “Stewardship”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) by ensuring that the movement he was leading was as ethical as it could be and did not result in harm to others and destruction.

“Commitment to the growth of people”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) is another characteristic of servant leadership and describes leaders who “are committed to helping each person in the organization grow personally and professionally”(Northouse, 2022, p.256). Gandhi embodied “Commitment to the growth of people”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) in a broader manner, by focusing on the growth of all of the people in his country through the Indian independence movement. For example, Gandhi was committed to growing and improving India socially, religiously, politically, and economically (Acharya, 2019). By focusing on improving these aspects of Indian society, Gandhi was more broadly focused on the growth of his people, as improving and growing their economy would serve to serve to improve their professional lives and improving the social, religious, and political aspects of the country would serve to improve and grow their personal lives. It should be noted that Gandhi’s “Commitment to the growth”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) of his people and his country was extensive as it was stated that he had a “lifelong commitment to achieving that intertwined vision of a successful Indian nation”(Acharya, 2019).

The last servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) characteristic outlined in the text is “Building community”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) which refers to “a collection of individuals who have shared interests and pursuits and feel a sense of unity and relatedness”(Northouse, 2022, p.256). Gandhi was very successful in building a community (Northouse, 2022, p.256) amongst the Indian people, through the Indian National Congress, and internationally, by gaining the support of foreign nations in the Indian independence movement. Specifically, Gandhi built a community of supporters for the Indian independence movement who all had “shared interests”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) in the growth of India and who felt “a sense of unity”(Northouse, 2022, p.256) through their shared goals and efforts to advance the Indian independence movement. One example of how Gandhi built community (Northouse, 2022, p.256) was through his ventures living amongst the people of the country spreading his message, and building support for the movement throughout the country by making connections with the people of the country.

Furthermore, it should be noted that because Gandhi embodied all of the servant leadership characteristics (Northouse, 2022, p.255), this enabled and facilitated him to engage in all the “servant leadership behaviors that are at the core of the servant leadership process”(Northouse, 2022, p.261). These “servant leadership behaviors”(Northouse, 2022, p.261) include “conceptualizing”(Northouse, 2022, p.261), “Emotional healing”(Northouse, 2022, p.261), “Putting Followers First”(Northouse, 2022, p.262), “Behaving Ethically”(Northouse, 2022, p.262), “Empowering”(Northouse, 2022, p.263) “Creating Value for the Community”(Northouse, 2022, p.263) and “Helping Followers Grow and Succeed”(Northouse, 2022, p.262) which these behaviors directly relate to all of the servant leadership characteristics (Northouse, 2022, p.255) that Gandhi embodied. Gandhi may serve as a role model for all of these “(Northouse, 2022, p.261).

The outcomes (Northouse, 2022, p.265) of Gandhi’s servant leadership in the Indian independence movement took the form of a “Societal Impact”(Northouse, 2022, p.265). Through Gandhi’s use of servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) in the Indian independence movement his overall efforts in this movement he was able to create “a positive impact on society”(Northouse, 2022, p.265), specifically within India. The specific positive impacts Gandhi and the Indian independence movement were able to make included societal, religious, economic, and political impacts. Some specific outcomes that resulted included the independence of India from the British government. Although a longer lasting intersocietal impact that resulted would include how he influenced other civil rights leaders after his time (Whipps, 2008), such as Martin Luther King Jr., as it was stated that he was “heavily influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence” (Whipps, 2008). Gandhi also serves as a strong role model of ethical leadership for those around the world.

Overall, Gandhi’s servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) in the Indian independence movement satisfied all of the components of the “model of servant leadership”(Northouse, 2022, p.266), which include “antecedent conditions, servant leader behaviors, and outcomes”(Northouse, 2022, p.266). His dedication and commitment to the movement and the people of India are demonstrated by the fact that “Starting in the 1890’s with his work in South Africa until his death in 1948, Gandhi wrote, mobilized and preached about the same goals of freedom, inclusion, harmony, diversity and empowerment”(Acharya, 2019). Gandhi was an ethical, moral, selfless, inspiring leader who exemplifies the power of servant leadership. With the right antecedent conditions (Northouse, 2022, p.259) Gandhi was able to gain support and receptivity for his servant leadership style (Northouse, 2022, p.255). Although Gandhi’s success in executing servant leadership (Northouse, 2022, p.255) may largely be attributed to his embodiment of the “Ten Characteristics of a Servant Leader”(Northouse, 2022, p.255) which thus enabled him to successfully execute all of the “servant leadership behaviors that are at the core of the servant leadership process”(Northouse, 2022, p.261). Lastly, Gandhi and the Indian independence movement were able to make long-lasting positive impacts (Northouse, 2022, p.256) on Indian society and by serving as a role model for other nation’s civil rights leaders after him.

References:

Acharya, N. (2019, October 2). Mahatma Gandhi At 150: Lessons on leadership. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nishacharya/2019/10/02/mahatma-gandhi-at-150-lessons-on-leadership/?sh=477a1ab2d7c1

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Chapter 10: servant leadership. Leadership theory & practice (9th ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publishing, Inc.

Pennsylvania State University World Campus. PSYCH 485 – Lesson 11: servant leadership. Strengths and weaknesses of servant leadership (p.5). Canvas. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2283258/modules/items/38927256

Whipps, H. (2008, September 8). How Gandhi changed the world. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/2851-gandhi-changed-world.html

Introduction

In the realm of leadership, one particular approach stands out, challenging conventional notions and redefining the very essence of leading: servant leadership. At its core, servant leadership entails leaders who prioritize the needs of their followers, cultivating an environment of trust, collaboration, and service. In recent years, this transformative leadership style has garnered widespread attention and recognition within the field of leadership studies. This blog post explores the principles and applications of servant leadership, shedding light on its profound impact and inspiring leaders to embrace this philosophy to create positive change in the world.

The Essence of Servant Leadership

Imagine a leader named Sarah, whose exceptional qualities set her apart from the conventional leadership mold. Sarah’s unwavering commitment to serving others instills a sense of purpose and belonging within her organization. With each passing day, she traverses the corridors, actively listening to the aspirations, concerns, and dreams of her team members. Embracing empathy and compassion, Sarah offers guidance and support, fostering the growth and development of those she serves. Her humble nature engenders trust, eroding hierarchical barriers and fostering a culture of collaboration. Sarah’s servant leadership style not only has the power transform the organization but also touch the lives of those she serves. Through her actions, she is able to instill in others the power of kindness, vulnerability, and the belief that everyone possesses inherent worth.

This anecdote beautifully captures the essence of servant leadership—an approach where leaders prioritize the needs of their followers and cultivate an environment of service, trust, and collaboration. The principles and practices of servant leadership have gained substantial attention and respect within the realm of leadership studies. Scholars and practitioners alike recognize its transformative potential to foster inclusive and purpose-driven workplaces (PSU, 2023; Northouse, 2021). Business leaders can solve the profit equation through embracing servant leadership, fostering growth, empowerment, and a shared sense of purpose among their teams.

People + Purpose = Profit

In today’s business landscape, the equation of “people + purpose = profit” has gained significant attention. Organizations are realizing that by prioritizing their people, nurturing their talents, and aligning their collective efforts with a meaningful purpose, they can achieve sustainable growth and financial success. (Donaldson, 2020) Servant leadership plays a crucial role in this equation by emphasizing the well-being and development of individuals, fostering a culture of service and collaboration, and creating value not only for the organization but also for the community at large.

Servant Leadership- A Brief History

Servant leadership finds its roots in the visionary work of Robert K. Greenleaf, a pioneer in the field. Greenleaf’s profound insights and contributions have significantly shaped the development of servant leadership on both practical and theoretical levels. As the founder of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, he not only coined the term but also dedicated his life to advancing the principles and practices of this transformative leadership approach (Northouse, 2021, p. 253). The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, a nonprofit organization, continues to carry forward Greenleaf’s mission and legacy. With the goal of advancing awareness, understanding, and practice of servant leadership, the center offers a range of programs and initiatives. These initiatives aim to foster servant leadership qualities in individuals and organizations, thus promoting positive change in society. Through its various programs, the Greenleaf Center envisions a better society—one that is more just, loving, and provides creative opportunities for its people. Greenleaf’s vision was rooted in the belief that by prioritizing service and the well-being of others, leaders can create organizations that not only excel in performance but also contribute to the greater good of their communities (Greenleaf, 2021). Greenleaf’s legacy has had a lasting impact on the world of leadership. His writings and teachings continue to inspire and guide leaders in their pursuit of servant leadership practices. The principles he advocated, such as listening, empathy, and commitment to the growth of people, have become central tenets of servant leadership.

Greenleaf’s work has laid the foundation for extensive research and scholarship on servant leadership. Scholars and practitioners have further expanded the understanding and application of servant leadership across diverse contexts and industries. Today, servant leadership is recognized as a valuable and effective approach to leadership that fosters employee well-being, organizational effectiveness, and the greater good of society.

The enduring legacy of Robert K. Greenleaf serves as a beacon of inspiration for leaders around the world. His vision of servant leadership continues to shape the way we think about leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving others, cultivating relationships, and creating organizations that prioritize people and purpose. Through his unwavering commitment to servant leadership, Greenleaf has left an indelible mark on the leadership landscape, influencing generations of leaders to embrace the power of serving and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Anatomy of a Servant Leader

So what does it take to be a servant leader? Servant leaders possess unique qualities that distinguish them from traditional leaders.  They actively listen to their team members, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Nurturing the well-being and growth of others, they create an environment where individuals can thrive. Servant leaders exhibit self-awareness, social awareness, and organizational awareness, guiding their decisions with insight (PSU, 2023; Northouse, 2021, p. 254). They influence others through persuasion and inspiration, fostering collaboration and shared purpose. With a holistic and forward-thinking mindset, they conceptualize a better future and act as stewards of resources. Committed to the growth of people, they invest in development and build a sense of community based on trust and collaboration. Servant leadership encompasses these essential traits to create thriving organizations. There is one more key ingredient to successful Servant Leadership though, and that is vulnerability.

The Power of Vulnerability in Servant Leadership

Vulnerability emerges as a key ingredient in servant leadership beacause it enables an environment where servant leadership can take root. You have to have a little vulnerability to cultivate trust. Leaders that openly acknowledge their limitations, mistakes, and areas for growth crate a safe space and empower their followers to do the same. By creating an environment where followers feel safe to express their ideas, concerns, and vulnerabilities, servant leaders foster trust, authenticity, and deeper connections. This approach replaces blame with genuine dialogue, fostering understanding, empathy, and productive problem-solving (Brown, 2010). Servant leadership encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability as a reminder of their aliveness, nurturing gratitude, self-worth, empathy, and compassion (Brown, 2010). This mindset creates an inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures personal growth, builds stronger connections, and promotes a culture of empathy and understanding within servant leadership (Northouse, 2021).

Application of Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is profoundly influenced by the organizational context and cultural norms in which it operates (Northouse, 2021, p. 259). The application and perception of servant leadership can vary across industries and cultural settings. In sectors like healthcare and nonprofits, where care and compassion are core values, servant leadership may be more readily embraced. However, in highly competitive corporate environments, servant leadership principles may need adaptation to align with the prevailing culture. Additionally, the manifestation of servant leadership is significantly shaped by the personal qualities and disposition of the leader. Leaders bring their unique traits, motivations, and values to their leadership style, influencing how they embody the principles of servant leadership. Traits such as emotional intelligence, humility, and moral development play crucial roles in determining the effectiveness of a servant leader (Northouse, 2021, p. 259). Recognizing the influence of organizational context and individual characteristics, leaders can tailor their approach to servant leadership accordingly. Adapting the practice to fit the specific context and leveraging personal strengths allows servant leaders to navigate the complexities of different industries and cultures while remaining true to the core principles of servant leadership. This flexibility and self-awareness enable leaders to create environments where servant leadership thrives, benefiting both the organization and its members.

Follower Perspectives – Servant Leader or Micro-Manager?

It is worth noting that servant leadership is not universally effective for all followers. Recent research suggests that followers with higher levels of self-interest may derive greater benefits from servant leadership practices (Northouse, 2021, p. 260). This highlights the importance of understanding follower perspectives and tailoring leadership approaches accordingly. While servant leadership holds the promise of caring for and responding to followers’ needs, it is essential to consider the receptivity of followers. Not all individuals may resonate with the servant leadership approach, perceiving it as micromanagement or excessive involvement. However, when there is alignment between followers’ desires and the principles of servant leadership, it can lead to positive outcomes, including improved performance and organizational citizenship behavior (Meuser, Liden, Wayne, & Henderson, 2011; Otero-Neira, Varela-Neira, & Bande, 2016; Ozyilmaz & Cicek, 2015; Northouse, 2021 p. 260). It is important to consider the individual followers and situational context when determining the best leadership style and approach in an organization.

Conclusion

Servant leadership encompasses a multifaceted dance between the leader, the followers, the organizational context, and the servant leader behaviors. By embracing the principles of servant leadership, leaders can create transformative environments where individuals thrive, relationships flourish, and positive change becomes a reality. As servant leadership continues to gain recognition and application across various industries, it is crucial for leaders to understand the core tenets and adapt them to fit the unique needs of their organizations and followers. By embodying the characteristics of a servant leader, embracing vulnerability, and considering the contextual factors, leaders can harness the full potential of servant leadership and make a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

References

Brown, B. (2010). The power of vulnerability [Video]. TEDxHouston. Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

Donaldson, C. (2020, December 23). People, Purpose, Profit – The key to growth and prosperity post 2020. Bloor Blogs. Retrieved from https://www.bloorresearch.com/2020/12/people-purpose-profit-the-key-to-growth-and-prosperity-post-2020/

Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. (2021). About us. Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.greenleaf.org/about-us/

Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Otero-Neira, C., Varela-Neira, C., & Bande, B. (2016). Linking servant leadership to organizational citizenship behavior: The role of trust and commitment. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 37(4), 558-578.

Ozyilmaz, A., & Cicek, C. (2015). Impact of servant leadership on organizational citizenship behavior and organizational commitment. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 195, 2823-2830.

Pennsylvania State University. (2023). Lesson 10: Servant leadership. Retrieved June 2023 from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2117897