Authors

Charles Patrick S. Torres*
Colegio De San Juan De Letran Calamba, Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

Dr. Bernardo Redoña
Colegio De San Juan De Letran Calamba, Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between leadership styles and the self-efficacy of manufacturing engineers in an aerospace manufacturing organization. Self-efficacy was defined through key skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to innovate, all of which are crucial for operational efficiency. Anchored in the Full Range Leadership Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, the research also incorporated well-known engineering practices such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (DMAIC), and Kaizen to better understand operational efficiency in the engineering field. A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was used. On the qualitative side, informal interviews with manufacturing engineers helped pinpoint common leadership behaviors. Meanwhile, quantitative data came from a survey measuring engineers’ perceptions of leadership styles and their own self-efficacy. The qualitative results highlighted transformational leadership as the most recognized and positively viewed style, marked by guidance, support, trust-based delegation, and constructive feedback. Transactional leadership also appeared in performance-focused situations, while authoritarian and laissez-faire styles were viewed less favorably. The quantitative results showed high levels of self-efficacy, with transformational and transactional leadership demonstrating positive effects, while authoritarian and laissez-faire styles showed negative effects. The Leadership–Self-Efficacy Synergy Framework illustrates how leadership behaviors foster empowerment, boost self-efficacy, and improve operational efficiency within the aerospace manufacturing sector.

Keywords: Leadership styles, self-efficacy, manufacturing engineers, aerospace manufacturing, operational efficiency, transformational leadership, mixed-methods.

*Corresponding author/ Email: torres_4230004@letran-calamba.edu.ph
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0502937

Recommended citation:
Torres, C. P. S., & Redoña, B. (2026). Emerging leadership style of manufacturing engineers towards an increased self-efficacy and operational efficiency. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 735-745. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0502937

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