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Complex Tasks, Delegation, and Flexibility: What Role for Engagement and Shared Leadership?

Author

Listed:
  • António Luis Dionísio

    (Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics, University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal)

  • Andreia Dionísio

    (Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics, University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
    Management Department, University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal)

  • Maria José Sousa

    (Department of Political Sciences and Public Policies, Universitary Institute of Lisbon, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Ana Moreira

    (School of Psychology, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Task complexity is one of the main factors studied by academics and is at the center of leaders’ concerns. It is related to delegation and flexibility, which are enhanced by workers’ engagement and depend on how leadership is shared. In this context, this research was carried out with the main objective of testing the serial mediating effect of engagement and shared leadership on the relationship between task complexity and flexibility and the relationship between task complexity and delegation. The sample for this study consists of 368 participants, all of whom work in organizations based in Portugal. The results indicate that task complexity is positively and significantly associated with engagement, shared leadership, flexibility, and delegation. Shared leadership has a positive and significant association with flexibility and delegation. The serial mediating effect of engagement and shared leadership on the relationship between task complexity and flexibility was confirmed. The serial mediating effect of engagement and shared leadership on the relationship between task complexity and delegation was not confirmed.

Suggested Citation

  • António Luis Dionísio & Andreia Dionísio & Maria José Sousa & Ana Moreira, 2022. "Complex Tasks, Delegation, and Flexibility: What Role for Engagement and Shared Leadership?," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:12:p:565-:d:990322
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