Transformational leadership, self-efficacy and performance of volunteers in non-formal voluntary service education

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-efficacy is a key mediator of the relationship between transformational leadership and volunteers' performance, based on intrinsic motivation theory. The study extended the literature on self-efficacy to transformational leadership in non-formal voluntary service education.

Design/methodology/approach

One hundred and seventy-eight scouts and scout leaders were sampled from a Hong Kong voluntary service organization that involved volunteers in the process of non-formal education.

Findings

Transformational leadership was positively associated with the volunteers' performance. In addition, self-efficacy mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and volunteers' performance.

Originality/value

The study thus yielded novel insights for management development into the relationship between transformational leadership and volunteers' performance, suggesting that self-efficacy mediates this relationship for volunteers in non-formal voluntary service education.

Citation

Chan, S.C.H. (2020), "Transformational leadership, self-efficacy and performance of volunteers in non-formal voluntary service education", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 39 No. 7/8, pp. 929-943. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-03-2020-0078