Leadership Skills, Job Satisfaction, and Motivation in the Workplace: A Phenomenological Research Study

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of leaders and how their leadership skills influence employees’ job satisfaction and motivation in the workplace. The focus of this study was to understand factors, if any, which might enhance leadership skills, job satisfaction, and motivation of leaders and their influence on employees. A sample of 24 leaders participated in the study from southern Florida. The qualitative phenomenological design, research questions, and open-ended questionnaire guided the responses of the participants. The central research question and the sub-questions guided the study. The study used a variety of qualitative data and phenomenological studies from books, general dialogue with the participants, journals, peer-reviewed literature, and researcher’s notes from the interview sessions. The study used Nvivo software to support the analysis and categorization of the collected data. The data revealed 4 core themes: 1) working with people, 2) education, experience, and training, 3) leadership styles, and 4) sacrifices. The study demonstrated the benefits and values of improving leadership skills, job satisfaction, and motivation. The results of the study may illuminate the relationships among organizational leaders, leadership styles, training, job satisfaction, thereby facilitating job satisfaction and motivation in the workplace. Recommendations and implications were related to the research questions and purpose of the study. The recommendations presented corresponded to the emergent themes identified in the study regarding leaders perceptions on leadership, motivation, and job satisfaction.