Servant leadership theory and practice in government organizations

This chapter sketches a framework of servant leadership theory and practice in government organizations. From a theoretical standpoint, the chapter highlights that servant leadership is a comprehensive approach for government agencies in comparison to other widely studied leadership styles (i.e., transformational, collaborative, or ethical) given its focus on serving the stakeholders and the community. Specifically, the chapter traces the contextual environment in which both elected officials as well as career bureaucrats operate and how servant leadership emerges as a highly inclusive theory that incorporates the needs of distinct contexts in which government leaders work. From a practical standpoint, the chapter highlights seven competencies of servant leadership that apply both in the political as well as administrative leadership roles of the government professionals and suggests an in-house servant leadership development model for government organizations. The chapter concludes with recommendations for servant leadership research and practice as a pathway for instilling a serving culture and building and bridging trust with both internal and external stakeholders for a sustained community well-being and prosperous future of the society.