Transformational leadership, self-efficacy and performance of volunteers in non-formal voluntary service education

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-efficacy is a key mediator of the relationship between transformational leadership and volunteers' performance, based on intrinsic motivation theory. The study extended the literature on self-efficacy to transformational leadership in non-formal voluntary service education. Design/methodology/approach: One hundred and seventy-eight scouts and scout leaders were sampled from a Hong Kong voluntary service organization that involved volunteers in the process of non-formal education. Findings: Transformational leadership was positively associated with the volunteers' performance. In addition, self-efficacy mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and volunteers' performance. Originality/value: The study thus yielded novel insights for management development into the relationship between transformational leadership and volunteers' performance, suggesting that self-efficacy mediates this relationship for volunteers in non-formal voluntary service education.