title: Transformational leadership in the local police in Spain: a leader-follower distance approach.
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.
authors.affiliation: Universitat de València (Spain).
authors.forename: Octavio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Álvarez
authors.affiliation: Universitat de València (Spain).
authors.forename: Marisol
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lila
authors.affiliation: Universitat de València (Spain).
authors.forename: Inés
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tomás
authors.affiliation: Universitat de València (Spain).
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Castillo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015279:Organizational Culture; D016495:Police; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012919:Social Behavior; D013030:Spain