A Study of the Effects of Transactional Leadership on Employee Motivation and Performance in the Malaysian Retail Sector

Authors

  • Thivaashini Selvarajah Tun Razak Graduate School, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1505-3942
  • Mohammed Reyasudin Basir Khan Tun Razak Graduate School, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9964-6826
  • Chong Peng Lean School of Engineering and Computing, MILA University, No 1, MIU Boulevard, Putra Nilai, Nilai 71800, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3277-9533
  • Tatchanaamoorti Purnshatman School of Engineering and Computing, MILA University, No 1, MIU Boulevard, Putra Nilai, Nilai 71800, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8974-5663

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56532/mjbem.v3i1.43

Keywords:

Leadership, Transactional Leadership, Employee Motivation, Employee Performance

Abstract

Effective leadership is an essential factor in managing organizations as it significantly impacts employee behaviour and performance. One such leadership style commonly employed in the business world is transactional leadership, which focuses on providing rewards and punishments to motivate employees towards achieving specific objectives. Nevertheless, the extent to which transactional leadership affects employee motivation and performance within the retail sector of Malaysia has not been fully explored. Therefore, this journal study aimed to explore the potential effect of transactional leadership on employee motivation and performance within the retail sector in Malaysia. The findings indicate that transactional leadership significantly and positively influenced both employee motivation and performance. Furthermore, employee motivation was found to mediate the relationship between transactional leadership and performance. These results highlight the importance of transactional leadership in the promotion of employee motivation and performance, suggesting that organizations within the Malaysian retail sector should consider adopting transactional leadership practices to enhance employee outcomes. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

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Published

27.04.2024

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