A study of how and why democratic leadership affects work performance

Abstract

This study aimed to outline the effects of democratic leadership in the workplace on employee organizational commitment and employee performance. Specifically, based on a literature review it is expected that employees who evaluate their supervisor as displaying democratic leadership behaviors (e.g. allowing subordinates to take a more participative role in decision making, to share their thoughts and opinions etc.) will report higher commitment and higher performance. Additionally, it is expected that organizational commitment will at least partially mediate the relationship between democratic leadership style and performance.