Developing Transforming Steward Leadership Scientifically Validated Measurement Instrument

Developing Transforming Steward Leadership Scientifically Validated Measurement Instrument

Farai Katsande | 2021

Abstract

This dissertation focused on developing a scientifically validated instrument to measure the transforming steward leadership, using DeVellis’ (2017) eight steps in developing a measurement instrument. The concept was operationalized from transforming leadership (Burns, 1978) and steward leadership (Donaldson & Davis, 1991). The literature explored in this study led to the extraction of 334 items covering the following aspects of transforming leadership and stewardship: (1) Personal transformation (Bennis, 2009; Singleton, 2018; Blanchard & Hodges, 2003). (2) Serving leadership (Patterson, 2003; Sendjaya & Pekerti, 2009; Wong & Davey, 2007). (3) Emotional intelligence (Goleman, 2018). (4) Self-leadership (Cristofaro & Giardino, 2020). (5) Self-development (Alorda, 2020). (6) Calling and purpose (Fry, 2003; Guiness, 2003). (7) Character (Winston, 2005; Hannah & Avolio, 2011; Singh et al., 2019). (8) Integrity (Bauman, 2013; Cloud, 2006; Moorman & Grover, 2009; Palanski & Yammarino, 1999). (9) Morals (Kim & Kim, 2012; Marques, 2017; Skubinn & Herzog, 2016). (10) Ethical leadership (Brown & Trevino, 2006; Gemechu, 2019; Johnson, 2018). (11) Authentic behavior (Bass & Steidlmeier, 1999; Avolio & Gardner, 2005). (12) Sacrificial leadership (De Cremer et al., 2004). (13) Humility (Morris et al., 2005; Stith-Flood, 2018). (14) Competencies (Alban-Metcalfe & Alimo-Metcalfe, 2009; Hewitt et al., 2014; Boyatzis, 2008; Costin, 2008). DeVellis’ (2017). Three experts reviewed the 334 and reduced it to 64 items to forms the transforming steward leadership questionnaire (TSLQ). An online survey was developed using a seven-point semantic differential scale and administered to 341 participants from the USA, Asia, and Africa, covering ten organizations. The survey assessed participants’ perceptions of their team leaders. Factor analysis using principal component analysis was conducted on the 64 items through oblimin rotation further reduced to a three-factor instrument with 24 items. After conducting scale optimization, the three-factor instrument was reduced to 15 items assessing the three factors. The final 15-item transforming steward leadership questionnaire (TSLQ) had a Cronbach alpha of .94. The TSLQ has high validity and is therefore useful for further research to expand the transforming steward leadership.