Exploring Transformational Leadership and Its Influence on Employee Affective Commitment in a Private Firm in the Philippines

Abstract

Transformational leadership has been linked to significant organizational outcomes such as affective commitment. However, existing studies about this topic are contextualized in the public sector and in international settings. To fill this gap, this research identifies the transformational leadership behaviors practiced by the leader of a private firm in the Philippines and its influences on the affective commitment of the employees of the organization. This research employed a qualitative case study approach. Moreover, in-depth interviews were administered to six employees selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Furthermore, Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis was utilized to identify and analyze the emerging themes. The data revealed important findings. First, it can be concluded that the leader in the private firm utilizes all transformational leadership components - idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Second and lastly, it could be drawn from the discussions that the transformational leadership influences employee affective commitment in terms of deeper emotional attachment, stronger identification, and greater positive involvement with the organization among the employees. The findings of this research serve as guides to further enhance the communication of leaders in the organization.