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Transformational Leadership in the Local Police in Spain: a Leader-Follower Distance Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 July 2014

Octavio Álvarez ,
Marisol Lila ,
Inés Tomás  and
Isabel Castillo
Octavio Álvarez*
Affiliation:
Universitat de València (Spain)
Marisol Lila
Affiliation:
Universitat de València (Spain)
Inés Tomás
Affiliation:
Universitat de València (Spain)
Isabel Castillo
Affiliation:
Universitat de València (Spain)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Octavio Álvarez. Faculty of Psychology, Department of Social Psychology. Avd. Blasco Ibañez, 21. 46010. Valencia (Spain). Phone: +34–963864577. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Based on the transformational leadership theory (Bass, 1985), the aim of the present study was to analyze the differences in leadership styles according to the various leading ranks and the organizational follower-leader distance reported by a representative sample of 975 local police members (828 male and 147 female) from Valencian Community (Spain). Results showed differences by rank (p < .01), and by rank distance (p < .05). The general intendents showed the most optimal profile of leadership in all the variables examined (transformational-leadership behaviors, transactional-leadership behaviors, laissez-faire behaviors, satisfaction with the leader, extra effort by follower, and perceived leadership effectiveness). By contrast, the least optimal profiles were presented by intendents. Finally, the maximum distance (five ranks) generally yielded the most optimal profiles, whereas the 3-rank distance generally produced the least optimal profiles for all variables examined. Outcomes and practical implications for the workforce dimensioning are also discussed.

Keywords

policetransformational leadershiprankleader-follower distanceSpain
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 17 , 2014 , E42
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2014 

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