Boosting wellbeing: The vital role of clear communication, trust and support in leadership – Interview study on the impact of leadership on wellbeing in different generations

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master_Heinonen_Henna_2023.pdf (797.77 KB)

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School of Business | Master's thesis
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Date

2023

Department

Johtamisen laitos

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Mcode

Degree programme

Management and International Business (MIB)

Language

en

Pages

99

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Abstract

This research delves into the impact of leadership, particularly from the perspective of employee’s well-being. The focus is especially on two distinct generations: millennials and boomers, exploring their potentially differing experiences. The objective is to ascertain whether the experiences and needs of different generation vary, and to identify the leadership elements that best support individuals’ well-being. The theoretical framework of this study, combines the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory and the Psychological Contract, offering a complementary perspective on the relationship between leader and follower and its significance. The research was conducted through interviews involving 13 participants, evenly distributed by gender and generational affiliation – half millennials and half boomers. The qualitative data obtained from the interviews underwent thematic analysis. Contrary to my initial assumption, the study reveals that the distinctions in how boomers and millennials perceive leaderships’ impact on well-being are not as distinct as anticipated. Instead, a few themes emerged that were equally significant for everyone: clear communication, trust and support. In this study, communication is viewed as more than mere information transmission. The most significant elements of communication were identified as listening and speaking. Together, these form the foundation for mutual understanding, a prerequisite for the development of trust. Trust was seen as a critical component of any collaboration. Only in relationships with sufficient trust can one dare to ask for and offer support, which was also recognized as a crucial element in well-being support. Well-being is a current theme, with a clear impact on endurance and work performance. This study sought to identify clear leadership practices that can support individual well-being, given the well-established connection between leadership and well-being. Well-being-enhancing leadership occurs in relationships characterized by open communication, where speaking and listening coexist. Such relationships foster trust, enabling the exchange of support. These themes were found to be essential for both boomers and millennials. These elements also play a significant role in relationships where employees primarily seek peace for their work from their leaders.

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Thesis advisor

Vuorenmaa, Hertta

Keywords

leadership, well-being, LMX-theory, psychological contract, communication, trust, support

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202309175912

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[gradu] Kauppakorkeakoulu / BIZ