http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/21225/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20810/ 2011-09-01T00:00:00Z Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and validation of a multi-dimensional instrument to measure servant leadership. Design/Methodology/Approach Based on an extensive literature review and expert judgment, 99 items were formulated. In three steps, using eight samples totaling 1571 persons from The Netherlands and the UK with a diverse occupational background, a combined exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis approach was used. This was followed by an analysis of the criterion-related validity. Findings: The final result is an eight-dimensional measure of 30 items: the eight dimensions being: standing back, forgiveness, courage, empowerment, accountability, authenticity, humility, and stewardship. The internal consistency of the subscales is good. The results show that the Servant Leadership Survey (SLS) has convergent validity with other leadership measures, and also adds unique elements to the leadership field. Evidence for criterion-related validity came from studies relating the eight dimensions to well-being and performance. Implications: With this survey, a valid and reliable instrument to measure the essential elements of servant leadership has been introduced. Originality/Value The SLS is the first measure where the underlying factor structure was developed and confirmed across several field studies in two countries. It can be used in future studies to test the underlying premises of servant leadership theory. The SLS provides a clear picture of the key servant leadership qualities and shows where improvements can be made on the individual and organizational level; as such, it may also offer a valuable starting point for training and leadership development. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/17628/ 2009-12-08T00:00:00Z This dissertation bridges the conceptual thinking on servant-leadership and academic data-driven leadership research. It offers a definition, a multidimensional measure and empirical evidence for the effects of servant-leadership. The literature study suggests that servant-leadership is ethical and different from other types of leadership in that servant-leaders put others’ interests first. The dissertation shows that servant-leadership behavior can be differentiated into two core dimensions: ‘serving’ (standing back, humility, authenticity, forgiveness), and ‘leading’ (empowerment, stewardship, accountability, courage). Conceptual thinking on servant-leadership suggests that individuals become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely to become servants themselves as a result of being led in a servant manner. Furthermore, servant-leadership has been proposed to have a positive effect on trust and business success. This dissertation provides empirical evidence that servant-leadership is positively associated with follower well-being, team performance and trust. Specifically, two studies positively related servant-leadership to well-being as measured with the three basic psychological needs from self-determination theory: autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Another study provided support for the existence of a positive link between servant-leadership (i.e., standing back, empowerment, and humility) and employee performance (over time and overall). A final study proved organization-based self-esteem has differential effects on the relationship between servant-leadership and trust. In sum, the present research offers a multidimensional measure for servant-leadership and suggests that servant-leadership is useful in that it can benefit follower well-being, team performance, and trust.