Incidence of leadership on job satisfaction among employees of AGUAPEN public company
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Introduction: Perceived leadership has emerged as a key determinant of job satisfaction within AGUAPEN E.P., a public enterprise responsible for potable water and sanitation management in Santa Elena, Ecuador. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of perceived leadership on job satisfaction among AGUAPEN E.P. employees, considering sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, and tenure, using a quantitative, non-experimental, and correlational approach. Methodology: Employing a quantitative, non-experimental, and correlational design, Likert-scale questionnaires were administered to 221 employees and 20 managers to assess perceived leadership styles based on Blake and Mouton's Managerial Grid and job satisfaction across five dimensions: communication, recognition, working conditions, work climate, and perceived leadership. Exploratory factor analysis, Spearman correlation tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were employed to determine the relationships between variables. Results: A strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.996, p < 0.001) was found between perceived leadership and job satisfaction, positioning leadership as the most influential predictor in the multiple linear regression model (β = 0.908, p < 0.001). While 75% of managers adopted the 9.9 style, characterized by high commitment to people and results and considered ideal by the model, the remaining 25% exhibited fewer effective styles (1.1 and 5.5), underscoring the need for leadership development programs. Significant differences in job satisfaction were also identified based on gender, age, and tenure. Male employees reported higher satisfaction levels (M = 4.40) compared to female employees (M = 2.20), and those with over 10 years of service achieved the highest satisfaction scores (M = 5.00). Conclusions: Perceived leadership is a critical determinant of job satisfaction among AGUAPEN E.P. employees, highlighting the effectiveness of the 9.9 style and the importance of strengthening institutional leadership to foster more cohesive management practices. General Study Area: Management. Specific Study Area: Organizational Behavior. Article Type: Original.
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