THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION IN THE MESSAGE AND THERAPY INDUSTRY: EMPIRICAL STUDY

Veronica Henry
Liberty University

Gene Sullivan
Liberty University

Stanley W. Self
Purdue Global University

ABSTRACT

This study examines factors that contribute to employee job satisfaction. Identifying
employee job satisfaction levels may help employers increase employee job satisfaction, employee
retention, and overall business employee performance. This study was designed to examine the
relationship between leadership style and employee job satisfaction in professional massage and
therapy businesses. Utilizing a sample from the massage and therapy businesses in Columbia, South
Carolina, the results of this study revealed that there were significant relationships between the three
primary leadership styles (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire) and the employee job
satisfaction. Specifically, while there were positive relationships between transactional and
transformational leadership, there was a negative relationship between laissez-faire (passive-
avoidant leadership) and employee job satisfaction.

Keywords: Leadership style, job satisfaction, message and therapy