Thematic analyses of employee perceptions of leadership : further support for the construct of effective leadership within local councils of Australia

Open-ended research questions were developed within a general conceptual framework examining employees’ perceptions of effective leadership and the impact of leadership on organisational outcomes within Australian local councils. Thematic matrix displays were used to analyse data from a sample of 102 local council employees. From the analyses, employees described effective leaders as those who practised fairness, equality and honesty, offered contingent reward, invested in their employees, and practised consultation and consideration. Effective leaders also encouraged communication at the workplace, were charismatic, motivated and inspired their employees to accomplish task-related goals, and developed their staff. Theoretical and managerial implications following on from this study are discussed.