The effect of leadership styles on performance and the mediating role of motivation in network marketing

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of perceived leadership styles on performance and the mediating role of motivation in Network Marketing, which is considered as a new generation business type. Within the scope of this research, an online survey was applied to 385 people working in different companies in the field of Network Marketing. In this survey, Perceived Leadership Scale, Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale, and Individual Performance Scale were used with demographic questions. The data obtained in the research was analyzed by using the SPSS program. According to the research findings; it has been found that Transactional, Transformational, Ethical, Paternalist and Servant leadership perceptions of Network Marketing employees have positive significant effects on individual performance and motivation. However, it has also been found that while Network Marketing employees of laissez-faire leadership have a positive and significant effect on performance, it does not have a significant effect on motivation. In this context, it has been determined that, motivation is a partial mediator variable in the effect of Transactional, Transformational, Ethical, Paternalist and Servant leadership perceptions of Network marketing employees on performance. However, the mediating role of motivation in the effect of Network Marketing employees; perceptions of Laissez-faire leadership on performance could not be determined. Moreover, when the leadership perceptions of Network Marketing employees were examined within the scope of the research, it has been found that, the transactional leadership style is preferred the most in this field and the biggest motivational tool is income. According to the research findings, it has been concluded that leadership in the field of Network Marketing has a significant impact on performance and that it is not correct to prefer a laissez-faire leadership style that leaves employees to their own devices in this area. It is thought that, this study will shed light on new studies as well as those working in the field of Network Marketing. Keywords: Network Marketing, Leadership, Performance, Motivation.