The effect of leadership style on employee engagement within an organizational environment of change: A correlational study

Organizations realize employee engagement is essential to being successful during a period of organizational change. Supervisory leadership styles have an impact on employee engagement. The literature review provides various perspectives on organizational change models, leadership, leadership styles and employee engagement. The MLQ 5X Leadership and UWES-17 engagement instruments were used to test the correlation of the supervisor's leadership style and employee engagement. The results established that there is a significant correlation between leadership style and employee engagement. There is a significant positive correlation in employee engagement with a transactional and/or transformational leadership style. Conversely, there is significant negative correlation in employee engagement with the laissez-faire leadership style. Supervisors must strike a balance with the various leadership styles to ensure employees are engaged to make the necessary changes required for organizations to succeed with change initiatives.