Content area
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between leadership style and leadership effectiveness among imams in U.S. mosques. Rapid growth and the complex Muslim American demographic both pose challenges for mosque leadership and organizational effectiveness. Mosques are underfinanced, understaffed, struggle with attracting professionals, and have a perceived lack of professionalism. Mosque employment experiences a high turnover rate with unclear roles and responsibilities. There is an amplified necessity for effective and strong organizational leadership, and imams play a major role in influencing the mosque. A quantitative correlational research method was used to collect data from 178 members of a mosque in the Greater Los Angeles, CA area. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) survey was employed to objectively measure leadership style and leadership effectiveness as perceived by the mosque members. Descriptive and correlational statistics were utilized to answer the research questions related to the relationship between leadership style and leadership effectiveness. The participants were mosque members consisting of staff, volunteers, and followers of the mosque. Significant evidence was found showing a strong positive relationship between the transformational leadership style and leadership effectiveness, whereas, the transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles were negatively correlated. This study is expected to make mosques reflexive to the leadership styles that positively impact followers. Effective imams will enhance organizational effectiveness in the areas of funding and staffing, by influencing and engaging followers to enthusiastically put in increased time and money to fulfill common organizational objectives.
