Effect of inspirational managers on employee health

Editor's Note

Mangers who inspire their staff members who work in groups to perform above and beyond the call of duty may harm their employees' health, finds this study.

The results suggest that constant pressure from transformational leaders to make an extra effort at work may promote self-sacrifice in vulnerable members of a group by leading them to go to work while ill (ie, presenteeism), which leads to increased risk of sickness absence in the long term because of reduced opportunities for recovery.

The links between transformational leadership and organizationally desirable outcomes may not be as straightforward as much of the literature on transformational leadership suggests, the authors note.

(2016). The relationship between transformational leadership and follower sickness absence: the role of presenteeism. Work & Stress: Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 193-208. doi: 10.1080/02678373.2016.1170736