Relasjonsledelse - så lett, så vanskelig. En kvalitativ studie av hva ledere opplever som viktig for å skape og utvikle relasjoner av høy kvalitet mellom leder og medarbeider

Abstract

Relational leadership - So easy, so difficult. A qualitative study of what leaders perceive as important for creating and developing high-quality relationships between leader and follower. What factors do leaders perceive as important for developing high quality leader-follower relationships? Based on LMX theory, through a qualitative study we interviewed leaders in kindergartens about what they experience as important. In our survey, we have confirmed previous research related to mutual trust and respect, leader's expectation of followers, follower characteristics and span of control. From interpersonal factors, we have found that leader affect is something that can be changed and that relationships are constantly changing. It is also important that the relationships are professional and do not become ineffective by becoming too close. We have found that leadership behavior, responsibility and competence are essential factors in the development of relationships. Furthermore, we find that a flat structure is highlighted as a factor that is both an advantage and a disadvantage, and must also be seen in the context of the distribution of roles within the organization.