The effectiveness of different power styles of project managers in gaining project support

The results of a field study identify the leadership style that may optimize project performance in a project-oriented environment. The relationships of a project manager´s leadership style to the degree of support he receives from project personnel is examined and related to project performance and effectiveness as judged by general management. The findings may help the professional manager in the field of project management to identify what type of leadership style optimizes the project performance. The paper concludes that work challenge and expertise as intrinsic motivation factors appear to be the most important influence methods for establishing a climate of high support, while authority and penalty methods appear to hinder the development of such a climate.