Impact of leadership styles on employee motivation of Australian VET sector

Purpose This study investigates how leadership styles and demographic characteristics influence employee motivation within the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, an underexplored area in leadership and motivation research. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional quantitative survey of 400 VET employees was conducted using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MWMS). Relationships between leadership dimensions, demographics, and motivation were examined. Findings Gender and income significantly influenced transformational leadership, while age and income were linked to transactional leadership. Younger males (26–35 years), with 2–5 years of experience and earnings of AU$20,000–AU$80,000, reported higher intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Among leadership factors, individualized consideration, inspirational motivation, contingent reward, and management by exception significantly enhanced motivation, whereas idealized influence and intellectual stimulation showed no effect. Originality/value The study advances leadership and motivation theory in the VET sector and provides demographic-sensitive insights with practical value for policymakers and practitioners.