Leadership styles scale: Conceptualization and initial validation

This paper describes the development and validation of a scale to measure different leadership styles, that could be adopted in different contexts and that lead to resonant or dissonant organizational environment. Differently from other scales that focus their attention on one specific style, we offer a more comprehensive approach that considers a broader range of styles. Based on theory, a pilot study, and questionnaires, we developed a tool to assess six styles of leader behaviours (visionary, coaching, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting, and directive). We tested the model in a sample of students and practitioners. The results supported the validity and reliability of the six-dimensional items. We thereby contribute to the literature by providing a tool of 36-item instrument, labelled the Leadership Styles Questionnaire (LSQ) to measure leadership styles.