When and How Servant Leadership Leads to Megaproject Success: The Roles of Project Governance and Interpersonal Trust

Abstract

Employing social exchange theory, we examined when and how servant leadership leads to megaproject success. Based on the data of 273 responses from project team members and project managers, our findings indicated that servant leadership improves project success in megaprojects by enhancing interpersonal trust. Additionally, when project governance is high, the effect of servant leadership on interpersonal trust is weaker. The study puts forth theoretical and practical implications for professionals working in mega construction projects.