Como os estilos de liderança influenciam o engajamento dos servidores públicos: evidências do Tribunal de Contas do Estado de Sergipe

Abstract

Objective: To analyze how different leadership styles influence the engagement and motivation of employees at the Court of Accounts of the State of Sergipe (TCE/SE), seeking to identify managerial practices capable of strengthening the organizational environment and supporting leadership development strategies within the institution. Methodology: This research is characterized as applied, exploratory, and qualitative, adopting a case study as its methodological strategy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and organizational observation, and were analyzed using content analysis with the support of Requalify.ai software. Main Results: The findings revealed a predominance of democratic and transformational leadership styles, mainly associated with communication, participation in decision-making, professional recognition, encouragement of development, and appreciation of interpersonal relationships. These practices positively influenced employee motivation and engagement, strengthening institutional commitment, sense of belonging, and collaboration among teams. Situational leadership also demonstrated a relevant contribution by enabling the adaptation of managerial practices to individual needs and organizational demands, whereas excessively centralized and bureaucratic practices were identified as limiting factors for motivation and engagement. Relevance and Originality: The study examines the relationship between leadership styles, motivation, and engagement within the context of a Court of Accounts, expanding knowledge on people management in the public sector. Its originality stems from the integration of leaders’ and employees’ perceptions in an organizational context that remains underexplored in the literature. Theoretical and Methodological Contributions: The research advances discussions on leadership, motivation, and engagement in public administration, particularly within Courts of Accounts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. Social and Management Contributions: As a Technical-Technological Product (TTP), a Best Practices Leadership Manual was developed based on the empirical evidence obtained in the study, aimed at strengthening managerial competencies and people management practices within TCE/SE.