Robert C. Liden Receives Research Excellence Award
Introduction
Robert C. Liden, Professor in the Department of Management Studies, has been honored with a Research Excellence Award for his work on servant leadership, the idea that leaders succeed best when they put the needs of others ahead of their own. His research shows that this approach can deliver stronger profit margins while also improving employee wellbeing, and his latest findings reveal how a CEO's commitment to serving others can ripple down through an entire organization. In this Q&A, Liden reflects on the recognition, shares what drives his research, and looks ahead to what's next, including a few of the pursuits that fill his time away from campus.
Robert C. Liden Receives Research Excellence Award
Speak to the recognition you received and the work that led to it.
In evaluating my record, it is important to note that all but two of my publications are coauthored. On past and present research projects, I am working with many exceptionally talented academics. With colleagues, I am currently working on developing alternatives to surveys for measuring leadership behaviors and effectiveness. In addition, we are designing interventions to develop servant leadership skills in managers.
Can you summarize your current research in a sentence or two for a general audience?
My research focuses on interpersonal relationships within the context of leadership, with a special focus on servant leadership.
What real-world problem or question drives your research?
Many political and business leaders focus on their own self-interest and make little or no attempt to understand the needs and perspectives of others. Conversely, servant leadership is based on the premise that leaders should prioritize the needs of others ahead of their own needs and desires. As our research has revealed, servant leadership can guide business organizations to realize higher profit margins while at the same time enhancing employees’ wellbeing. Engagement in servant leadership by political leaders offers an opportunity for solving such world problems as war and poverty.
What’s a recent finding or publication you’re excited about?
We found that CEO servant leadership trickles down through the hierarchy to increase serving behaviors of employees directed at coworkers and customers.
What did it mean to you to learn you’d received this award?
Although I have always thoroughly enjoyed conducting research and find it to be intrinsically satisfying, it is greatly appreciated to be recognized by other academics for one’s research. But again, I could not have achieved success in publishing without my coauthors.
What’s next for you? What upcoming projects, research, or goals do you have?
Most organizations known for their servant leadership cultures had founding CEOs who were passionate about servant leadership. I am interested in exploring what it takes to transform a “traditional command and control” organization to one with a servant leadership culture. My colleagues and I also plan to conduct research on the extent to which leaders can be trained to engage in servant leadership behaviors.
What can we find you doing when you’re not on campus?
Although my obsession with research results in often working in the evenings and on weekends, I enjoy cycling, backpacking, skiing, playing guitar, and vegetable gardening.