The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership Characteristic and Succession Planning Program in the Malaysian Public Sector

Abstract

Preparing the next good leader and is as important as supporting the current leader for the public sector, as well as important factor to move and drive organization forward. Thus, to groom the potential future leader, the organizations need not only the succession planning program, but also to have an emphasis on the commitment of the leader. This paper examines the relationship between leadership characteristic styles towards succession planning program in Malaysia's Public Sector. Transformational leadership characteristic was used, namely idealized influence, inspirational motivation, and individualized influence and intellectual stimulation. Combination of Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, Effective Succession Planning and Management Questionnaire were used to distribute to 576 public servants from Malaysia's public sector. Multiple regressions were used in analyzing the effect. The result of multiple regression demonstrated that partly significantly related to succession planning and individualize influence is the main predictor on succession planning program. Therefore, it is very essential for the leaders to keep on viewing and modifying their leadership style and behavior in a way to be effective leaders. This study contributing in the existing literature where motivation, inspiration, intellectual stimulus and consideration of individuals found to have significant relations in the context of the implementation of succession plans. This study documents of the requirement for the Degree of Doctor Of Philosophy from Universiti Utara Malaysia and will be a guideline for the Malaysia Public Service Department in a process preparing for future leaders.