This work deals with the question to what extent the concept of health-promoting leadership is suitable for reducing absenteeism among employees. Despite the relatively young field of research and the partly one-sidedly examined factors, the present results read promising.
To answer the key question, an overview of the current state of research is given. The relevant terms “health” and “leadership” are then narrowed down. After a brief retrospective on the history of the emergence of health-promoting leadership using socio-technical system approaches, two instruments are also presented - the "Health-oriented Leadership" concept from Franke & Felfe and the four-level model from Spieß & Stadler.
Although the focus of the explanations is on the potential of the health-promoting management approach, a critical appraisal should also show its limits. After all, the effects of management components on the health of employees have not been researched for very long.
The subsequent situation analysis of a case study shows on the one hand the possible effects of absenteeism for companies and their potential causes. On the other hand, it describes the ways in which a manager can have a direct or indirect influence on their employees or their health.
Based on this, recommendations for action for executives, which can also be used beyond the purpose of reducing absenteeism, convey an idea of the practical applicability of health-promoting leadership.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Introduction and overview of health-promoting leadership
2.1. Current state of research
2.2. Health
2.3. Leadership
2.4. Theoretical foundations
2.4.1. The emergence – socio-technical system approaches
2.4.2. The "Health-oriented Leadership" concept according to Franke & Felfe
2.4.3. The four-level model according to Spieß & Stadler
2.5. Limit
3. Root cause analysis of the situation description
3.1. Absenteeism
3.1.1. Definition of terms
3.1.2. Consequences of absenteeism
3.1.3. Causes of absenteeism
3.2. Influence of the manager
3.2.1. Direct influence
3.2.2. Indirect influence
4. Recommendations for action and practical transfer
4.1. Determination of the current situation
4.2. Concrete measures
4.2.1. Coaching – Change in leadership behavior
4.2.2. Employee appraisal
4.2.3. Change in the working environment and the organization of tasks
5. Conclusion
Objectives & Core Topics
The primary objective of this work is to examine the extent to which the concept of health-promoting leadership can effectively reduce employee absenteeism. It analyzes the role of management in influencing employee health, identifies the root causes of absenteeism, and provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for managers to implement healthier leadership practices.
- The relationship between leadership behavior and employee health.
- Theoretical concepts of health-promoting leadership (HoL and the four-level model).
- Root cause analysis of absenteeism and its impact on organizational success.
- Practical management tools: coaching, employee appraisals, and work environment design.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.1. Direct influence
Direct influence through leadership behavior:
Supervisors can communicate and interact directly with their employees by proactively offering them social support, publicly praising them, appreciating their work, conveying meaning in work, and being generally friendly. This has a positive effect on the well-being of employees. If, on the other hand, employees are ignored, treated unfairly and unkindly, this has a negative effect on their well-being (Franke & Felfe, 2011, p. 4; Elprana, Felfe, & Franke, 2016, p. 145).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides the motivation for the study, highlighting the significant influence executives have on employee well-being and job satisfaction in the modern digital age.
2. Introduction and overview of health-promoting leadership: Explores the scientific state of research and establishes key definitions and theoretical frameworks for health-promoting leadership.
3. Root cause analysis of the situation description: Identifies the consequences and primary drivers of absenteeism and explains how leadership styles directly and indirectly impact these outcomes.
4. Recommendations for action and practical transfer: Offers concrete, actionable management strategies, including coaching, structured appraisal interviews, and organizational adjustments to improve team health.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings and provides an outlook on the necessity for further long-term studies regarding the role of managers in promoting health.
Keywords
Health-promoting leadership, Absenteeism, Employee health, Leadership behavior, Well-being, Coaching, Work organization, Employee appraisal, Mental illness, Stress management, Social support, Role model, Leadership style, Organizational culture, Work-life balance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
This work examines the suitability of health-promoting leadership concepts as a strategy for companies to reduce employee absenteeism and improve overall workforce well-being.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The central themes include the psychological impact of management on employees, the distinction between various leadership styles, the cost and causes of absenteeism, and practical methods for implementing health-positive management.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The primary goal is to provide managers with a theoretical background and practical tools to take responsibility for their own and their employees' health, thereby indirectly reducing absenteeism.
Which scientific methods are applied in this work?
The author performs an extensive review of existing research literature, discusses established models such as the "Health-oriented Leadership" concept and the "four-level model," and incorporates case-study based recommendations for practice.
What topics are covered in the main section of the book?
The main section covers the current research on leadership, definitions of health and leadership, theoretical foundations (socio-technical systems), an analysis of absenteeism causes, and direct/indirect management interventions.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include health-promoting leadership, absenteeism, employee well-being, coaching, and concrete management measures like task organization.
What role does the "smoker's pig bank" play in the proposed measures?
It is an example of an incentive-based team project designed to discourage smoking, serving as a practical, gamified intervention to support behavioral change toward a healthier workplace.
How should a manager behave when an employee is showing signs of mental stress?
The author suggests using specific interview guides and checklist-based preparations to address stressors, show social support, and identify potential changes in the work environment that could relieve the employee.
- Citar trabajo
- Jessica Motzer (Autor), 2017, Health-Promoting Leadership. The Influence of Leaders on Employee Health, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1225472
