Determine the appropriate leadership style for supporting sustainable agriculture in PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III

This paper examines the most suitable leadership style in the palm oil plantation industry, particularly at PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III. The research methodology encompasses in-depth interviews. Over a six-month period from January to June 2023, a list of 60 potential participants was created to meet the research objectives. Thirty participants agreed to participate in the study and were selected for in-depth interviews. Each participant received information about the meeting time and location and was required to sign a consent form ensuring confidentiality of the shared information. The research concludes that among the four leadership styles considered (heart leadership, servant leadership, authentic leadership, and ethical leadership), heart leadership is the most suitable for PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III. Heart leadership encompasses ten aspects, including Conscience, Love, Intention, Self Control, Teamwork, Honesty, Integrity, Attention, Emotional Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, and Servant Orientation. Implementing heart leadership at PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III can create a positive work environment, boost employee engagement, and lead to overall organizational success. This leadership style emphasizes open communication, empathy, and trust between leaders and employees. Leaders with heart leadership will listen empathetically, understand employees’ needs and aspirations, and offer necessary support, fostering trust, motivation, and a positive work culture. By embracing leadership values like conscience, emotional intelligence, and servant orientation, PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III ensures a focus not just on organizational success but also on sustainable farming practices.


Introduction
Each leader certainly has a different character and personality, each character has an impact on employee performance or the performance of subordinates who are led.How much influence the character and personality of the leader has a big influence on improving employee performance, in other words, the actions and behavior of the leader can motivate employees to always improve performance [1] [2] [3].1297 (2024) 012028 IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1297/1/012028 2 Over the past 5 years, the study of leadership has greatly expanded.There are many types of leadership, each having a fit with different agencies or organizations.For example, instructional leadership is suitable for educational institutions because it is the key to school management in improving learner performance [4], servant leadership is suitable for the hospitality industry because it has the characteristics needed [5].Then, transformational leadership is suitable for the entrepreneurial world because it focuses on innovation and creativity [6].
Leadership determines many things, such as work safety [7], emotion regulation [8], communication and social skills [9].If companies need fast results, then leaders must adopt the right leadership style, which has a direct impact on organizational innovation, in order to get fast results [10].This is supported by the statement of [11] who said that during this pandemic, organizations will thrive under leaders who a) provide strong roles and goals; b) share leadership; c) communicate; d) ensure employee access to technology; e) prioritize employee emotional stability; f) maintain the financial health of the organization; and g) encourage organizational resilience.[12] say that it is important for future research to continue to expand the range of leadership antecedents in this domain to provide managers with a larger toolkit with the potential to drive the TMS (transactive memory system), the existence of cognitive interdependence among individuals in close relationships due to the memory limitations that individuals have, with these conditions then encouraging the emergence of transactions to complement each other's limitations through a series of communication processes.
In carrying out its business and business activities, PTPN III (Persero) has a vision of "Becoming a national agribusiness company that is superior and world-class competitive and contributes sustainably to the progress of the nation".To realize this vision, the company's mission is (1) to produce high quality products for customers, (2) to form superior work process capabilities through continuous improvement and innovation with good corporate governance, (3) to develop an excellent organization and culture as well as competent and prosperous human resources in realizing the potential of each human being, (4) to optimize asset utilization to provide the best returns, (5) to participate in improving the welfare of the community and preserving the environment for the good of future generations.
As a common behavior in carrying out its business activities, PTPN III (Persero) has a value system as the company's core values, namely (1) trustworthy, upholding the trust given, (2) competent, continuing to learn and develop capabilities, (3) harmonious: Mutual care and respect for differences, (4) loyal, dedicated and prioritizing the interests of the nation and state, (5) adaptive, continue to innovate and enthusiastic in driving or facing change, (6) collaborative, building synergistic cooperation.
Based on the vision, mission and values, PTPN III (Persero) poured its business activity strategy into operational excellence which can be measured by the achievement of its performance.The brightest performance of PTPN III (Persero) is currently in the Palm Oil commodity, considering that until now palm oil is still the largest contributor to profits for PTPN III (Persero).
Based on the studies discussed in this article, it is deemed necessary to study in determining the right leadership style for company leaders, especially line managers, to determine the focus of human resource development.
R1.What leadership styles have been applied in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III? R2.What are leadership traits most influenced in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III? R3.What leadership style is most appropriate to be implemented at PT Perkebunan Nusantara III?

Materials and methods
A qualitative case study was chosen to explore and comprehend the aspects of participants in terms of leadership traits and styles.The participants were required to have experience in a leadership role.Although there were various options for sampling participants from different industries, this study specifically selected an oil palm company that aligned with the research objectives.To develop the case study, the approach outlined in reference [13] was followed, focusing on designing "how" and "what" questions.The main questions for the semi-structured interviews were thoughtfully selected and adapted from reference [14].
Initially, a list of 60 potential participants was compiled to meet the research objectives.Over a period of six months, from January 2023 to June 2023, all participants on the list were contacted.Eventually, thirty participants agreed to participate and were selected for in-depth interviews.
Each participant was provided with information regarding the meeting time and location.Upon returning a signed consent form, they were assured that all information shared during the interview would be treated with strict confidentiality.During the interviews, detailed notes were taken, and the conversations were also recorded for accuracy.
Data collection, processing, and analysis involved conducting 30 in-depth interviews.A digital device was used to record audio during the interviews, and each recorded file was subsequently copied into a computer.The duration of each interview ranged from 90 to 120 minutes.Following the interviews, each section was labeled with a specific code for easy reference in the compiled excel sheet containing the gathered information.

Displays the research approach employed
Table 1 displays the research approach employed, utilizing interview questions to address three distinct research queries.To delve deeper into the subject matter and effectively address additional research questions, certain specific questions were expanded upon.These expanded questions were adapted and modified from previous studies conducted by [14] and [15].Conscience, Love, Intention, Self Control, Team Work, Honesty, Integrity, Emotional Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, Servant Orientation

Research Question 1
The initial questionnaire was designed to identify the leadership styles implemented in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III. Figure 1 illustrates the leadership styles at PTPN III summarized from interviews.efficiently and safely.However, it is important for authoritative leaders to balance their approach and create an environment that encourages open communication and employee engagement.2. Participative Leadership.Many palm oil companies recognize the value of involving employees in the decision-making process.Participative leadership style is applied, where leaders seek input and ideas from employees and value their contributions.This approach fosters ownership and empowers employees, which leads to increased motivation and engagement.3. Transformational Leadership.Transformational leadership style is often observed in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III.Leaders who adopt this style inspire and motivate employees through a shared vision.They encourage innovation, provide guidance, and create a positive work environment where employees are encouraged to take ownership of their tasks and make meaningful contributions.4. Heart-Centered Leadership (Heart Leadership).The leadership style that emphasizes heart-to-heart interactions can also be observed in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III.This leadership style emphasizes open communication, empathy, and trust between employees and leaders.Heart-centered leaders listen empathetically, understand the needs and aspirations of employees, and provide necessary support.Through heart-to-heart interactions, leaders can build trust, motivate employees, and create a positive work environment.By valuing employee contributions, facilitating participation, and prioritizing fairness, leaders with a heart-centered approach can help enhance employee engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction.5. Servant Leadership.Servant leadership style in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III involves leaders who prioritize serving their employees and team members.They see themselves as servants responsible for meeting needs, assisting in personal development, and supporting the success of employees.
Leaders with this style strive to create an inclusive work environment and provide full attention to team members.6. Authentic Leadership.Authentic leadership style involves leaders who demonstrate authenticity, integrity, and honesty in their actions and communications.They adhere to strong and consistent values within themselves.Authentic leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III strive to be the best version of themselves, inspiring employees with their integrity and honesty, and creating a transparent and trust-building work environment.7. Ethical Leadership.Ethical leadership involves leaders who base their decisions and actions on high ethical principles.Ethical leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III prioritize fairness, truth, and social responsibility in their decision-making.They lead by example by adhering to high ethical standards, maintaining integrity, and treating employees and partners fairly and honestly.8. Empowering Leadership.Empowering leadership involves leaders who empower their employees to take initiative, actively participate, and develop their potential.Empowering leaders in PT.
Perkebunan Nusantara III provide autonomy to employees, encourage participation in decisionmaking, and provide the necessary support and guidance.They create a collaborative work environment and provide opportunities for employees to grow and develop.
In the context of PT Perkebunan Nusantara III, leadership with heart is an essential and influential approach.This leadership style emphasizes the importance of strong emotional relationships, open communication, and trust between employees and leaders.In the palm oil plantation industry, which involves diverse tasks and a large number of employees, it is crucial for leaders to develop strong relationships with their teams.
Leadership with heart enables leaders to interact empathetically and attentively listen to the needs, issues, and aspirations of employees.By understanding and attending to individuals, leaders can create an environment that supports personal and professional growth.This approach also encompasses servant leadership, where leaders prioritize serving employees and team members.They see themselves as servants responsible for fulfilling needs, aiding in personal development, and supporting the success of employees.
Furthermore, authentic leadership and ethical leadership also have a positive influence.Authentic leadership involves leaders who demonstrate authenticity, integrity, and honesty in their actions and communications.They adhere to strong and consistent values aligned with their true selves.Authentic leaders in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III strive to be the best version of themselves, inspiring employees with their integrity and honesty, and creating a transparent work environment that builds trust.Ethical leadership involves leaders who base their decisions and actions on high ethical principles.Ethical leaders in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III prioritize fairness, truthfulness, and social responsibility in their decision-making.They set a good example by adhering to high ethical standards, maintaining integrity, and treating employees and partners fairly and honestly.
Overall, leadership with heart has a significant influence in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III.This approach enables leaders to build strong relationships with employees, create an inclusive and supportive work environment, and enhance employee motivation and engagement.In an industry with diverse tasks and a large workforce, leadership with heart is crucial in establishing a positive and successful work culture.
In PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III, there are several examples of poor leadership styles.1. Authoritarian Leadership.Authoritarian leadership is considered bad because the leader tends to be dominant, dictatorial, and has full control over decisions and actions.Authoritarian leaders often ignore the views and inputs of team members and focus more on their own power.This can create an exclusive work environment where employees feel unappreciated, unmotivated, and less engaged [16].2. Micromanagement Leadership.Micromanagement leadership occurs when leaders excessively involve themselves in every aspect of work and control every action taken by team members.Micromanaging leaders often do not provide room for initiative and creativity among team members and tend to lack trust in their abilities.As a result, employees feel constrained, unmotivated, and have limited ownership of their work.These poor leadership styles can have negative impacts on the work environment, employee motivation, engagement, and performance in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III.Therefore, it is important for the organization to identify and address issues related to poor leadership styles and promote the development of more effective and positive leadership styles.

Research Question 2
The leadership style with a heart is a suitable choice for implementation in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III.This leadership style emphasizes empathy, care, and strong relationships between leaders and employees.Here are some reasons why the leadership style with a heart is suitable for this organization: 1. Creating a Positive Environment.The leadership style with a heart creates a positive and inclusive work environment.By providing attention and care to employees, leaders can create an atmosphere that supports growth, collaboration, and active engagement from the entire team.By implementing the leadership style with a heart, PT Perkebunan Nusantara III can create a positive work environment, enhance employee engagement, and achieve overall organizational success.This leadership style emphasizes the importance of open communication, empathy, and trust between leaders and employees.Leaders with this leadership style will listen empathetically, understand the needs and aspirations of employees, and provide necessary support.Through heart-to-heart interactions, leaders can build trust, motivate employees, and create a positive work environment.

Research Question 3
The most dominant or frequently observed leadership traits among leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III consist of several aspects.1. Decisive decision-making.Leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III tend to make quick and decisive decisions.They have the ability to evaluate situations and make necessary decisions to efficiently run the company's operations [17].2. Perseverance and dedication.Leaders in this company are expected to have high levels of perseverance and dedication to their tasks and responsibilities.They have a strong commitment to achieving the company's goals and strive to deliver their best in their work.3. Openness to change.The palm oil industry is constantly evolving and changing, and therefore, leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III tend to have an open attitude towards change.They are able to adapt to a changing environment and take the initiative to update and improve the company's operational processes.4. Effective communication skills.Leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III have good communication skills.They are able to clearly convey instructions to employees and also listen to input and feedback effectively.5. Fairness and integrity.Leaders in this company are expected to have strong principles of fairness and integrity.They treat all employees fairly and adhere to high ethical standards.6. Ability to build good relationships.Leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III have the ability to build good relationships with employees and colleagues.They pay attention to the needs and interests of employees and create a positive and collaborative work environment.These leadership characteristics are distinctive traits often observed in leaders in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III and play an important role in effectively managing the company's operations and achieving set goals.
Characteristics that a leader in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III should possess.1. Conscience.A leader with a conscience is someone who acts with integrity, ethics, and honesty.They have a strong moral awareness and make decisions based on values that are right and fair.Leaders with a conscience are able to understand and consider the interests of all stakeholders involved, including employees, partners, and the community.They take responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their decisions and actions.2. Emotional Intelligence.Emotional intelligence refers to a person's ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions, both in oneself and others.A leader with emotional intelligence is able to build good relationships with employees, listen empathetically, and respond wisely to their emotions and needs.They can handle conflicts well, motivate teams, and build strong emotional bonds.3. Spiritual Intelligence.Spiritual intelligence refers to the understanding and awareness of meaning, values, and higher life purposes.A leader with spiritual intelligence has a broad perspective, considers spiritual aspects in decision-making, and inspires employees with a strong vision and mission.They promote ethical values, goodness, and justice within the organization, creating a meaningful work environment and providing meaningful goals for employees.4. Love.A leader who embodies love demonstrates care, compassion, and empathy towards their team members.They foster a supportive and inclusive work environment where individuals feel valued, appreciated, and respected.Love in leadership involves nurturing relationships, encouraging personal growth, and promoting a sense of belonging within the team.5. Intention.A leader with intention is purpose-driven and has a clear direction for themselves and the organization.They set meaningful goals and objectives, and their actions align with their vision.
Leaders with intention inspire others to work towards a common purpose, effectively communicate expectations, and create a sense of focus and motivation within the team.6. Self-Control.A leader who practices self-control possesses discipline and emotional stability.They are able to manage their impulses, handle pressure and stress with composure, and make wellthought-out decisions.Leaders with self-control serve as role models for their team, demonstrating the importance of self-regulation and maintaining a calm and balanced approach, even in challenging situations.7. Teamwork.Effective leaders understand the value of teamwork and collaboration.They foster an environment where individuals can work together synergistically, leveraging their diverse strengths and abilities.Leaders who promote teamwork encourage open communication, active participation, and create opportunities for team members to contribute their ideas and expertise towards achieving shared goals.8. Honesty.Honest leaders uphold the principles of integrity and transparency.They communicate truthfully, admit mistakes, and maintain consistency between their words and actions.Leaders who prioritize honesty build trust within their team, foster a culture of openness and accountability, and create an environment where individuals feel safe to express their opinions and concerns.9. Integrity.Leaders with integrity possess strong moral and ethical principles.They demonstrate honesty, fairness, and a commitment to doing what is right, even in difficult situations.Leaders with integrity inspire trust and credibility, both within their organization and with external stakeholders.They prioritize ethical conduct and promote a culture of integrity throughout the team.10.Servant Orientation.A servant leader prioritizes the needs of their team and focuses on serving others rather than seeking personal power or recognition.They support the growth and development of their team members, remove obstacles, and provide the necessary resources for success.Servant-oriented leaders empower their team, foster a culture of collaboration and shared success, and prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of their employees.The leadership style with a heart (heart leadership) is a suitable choice for implementation in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III.This leadership style emphasizes Conscience, Emotional Intelligence, Spritual Intelligence, Love, Intention, Self-Control, Team Work, Honesty, Integrity, Servant Orientation (Figure 2).
The leadership style with a heart creates a positive and inclusive work environment.By providing attention and care to employees, leaders can create an atmosphere that supports growth, collaboration, and active engagement from the entire team.
Through the leadership style with a heart, leaders can inspire and motivate employees by understanding their needs and aspirations.By paying attention to employee well-being and personal goals, leaders can create strong emotional bonds, enhance job satisfaction, and motivate employees to achieve organizational goals.
The leadership style with a heart encourages leaders to build strong relationships with employees.By actively listening, providing attention, and understanding employee perspectives, leaders can create bonds based on trust, mutual understanding, and close collaboration.
Leaders who use the leadership style with a heart can increase employee engagement.By involving employees in decision-making, providing support, and creating a supportive work environment, employees will feel valued, have clear responsibilities, and be motivated to contribute to the maximum, ultimately enhancing organizational productivity.
The leadership style with a heart promotes collaboration and effective teamwork.Leaders who facilitate teamwork, appreciate individual contributions, and encourage open communication will help build a collaborative work culture and a strong team at PT Perkebunan Nusantara III.

Leadership Style can Supporting Sustainable Agriculture
The leadership style with a heart, when applied in the context of PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III, aligns well with the principles of sustainable agriculture.Sustainable agriculture emphasizes the responsible use of resources, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of farming communities.By adopting a leadership style that values conscience, emotional intelligence, and servant orientation, PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III can ensure that its leadership is not only focused on organizational success but also on the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices.Leaders can promote sustainable farming methods, support local communities, and work towards the preservation of natural resources, thus contributing to a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible agricultural sector.In doing so, PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III can serve as a model for sustainable leadership in the agricultural industry.
In the context of PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III, which appears to be an agricultural company, this leadership approach aligns well with the principles of sustainable agriculture.Leaders who prioritize conscience and ethics are more likely to make decisions that are in line with sustainable agricultural practices.They will consider the environmental and social impacts of their actions and strive to do what is morally right for the long-term benefit of the company and its stakeholders.
Emotional intelligence in leadership involves understanding and managing emotions effectively.Leaders with high emotional intelligence can build strong relationships with employees, farmers, and local communities.This can lead to better communication, collaboration, and trust, which are crucial for implementing sustainable practices.
Servant Orientation is characterized by a leader's commitment to serving the needs of others.In the context of agriculture, this means prioritizing the well-being of farming communities.Leaders who genuinely care about the welfare of farmers can provide them with the necessary support, training, and resources to adopt sustainable farming methods.Sustainable agriculture emphasizes responsible resource use.Leaders with a heart will take measures to minimize resource wastage, promote efficient farming techniques, and reduce the environmental footprint of their operations.
Agricultural companies like PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III are often closely tied to local communities.Leaders who value community well-being can engage in initiatives that support local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for those living in the vicinity of their operations.Leaders can play a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing environmentally friendly practices.This can include reducing chemical pesticide use, implementing organic farming methods, and investing in renewable energy sources.
By adopting a leadership style that values sustainability, PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III can ensure that its agricultural practices are not only profitable in the short term but also environmentally and socially responsible in the long term.This helps in securing the future of the company and the agricultural industry as a whole.

Conclusions
By implementing the leadership style with a heart (heart leadership), PT Perkebunan Nusantara III can create a positive work environment, enhance employee engagement, and achieve overall organizational success.This leadership style emphasizes the importance of open communication, empathy, and trust between leaders and employees.Leaders with this leadership style will listen empathetically, understand the needs and aspirations of employees, and provide necessary support.Through heart-to-heart interactions, leaders can build trust, motivate employees, and create a positive work environment.
There are four leadership styles that are considered to have the most positive impact: heart leadership, servant leadership, authentic leadership, and ethical leadership.Among these four leadership styles, heart leadership is concluded to be the most suitable.The characteristics of heart leadership encompass 10 aspects: Conscience, Love, Intention, Self Control, Teamwork, Honesty, Integrity, Attention, Emotional Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, and Servant Orientation.
By embracing leadership values like conscience, emotional intelligence, and servant orientation, PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III ensures a focus not just on organizational success but also on sustainable farming practices.This approach encourages the promotion of sustainable farming methods, community support, and natural resource preservation, contributing to a more eco-friendly and socially responsible agricultural sector.PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III, through such leadership, can become a model for sustainable practices in agriculture.
Future research in the context of implementing the leadership style with a heart in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III could focus on the following areas : 1.Long-term Impact.Conducting longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of the heart leadership style on employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance.This would provide insights into whether the positive effects of this leadership style are sustained over time and contribute to the long-term success of the organization.2. Comparative Studies.Comparing the outcomes of implementing the heart leadership style with other leadership styles in similar organizations within the agricultural sector.This would allow for a deeper understanding of the specific benefits and advantages of the heart leadership style and its relevance in the agricultural industry.By conducting future research in these areas, a more comprehensive understanding of the implementation of the heart leadership style in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III can be gained, leading to the identification of best practices and strategies for enhancing leadership effectiveness and organizational success

3 . 5 .
Quntitative Studies.The findings from this quantitative study provided empirical support for the effectiveness of the heart leadership style in PT Perkebunan Nusantara III.They underscored the importance of leaders demonstrating empathy, open communication, and trust in fostering employee engagement and organizational success.The study's results not only confirmed the positive impact of the heart leadership style but also highlighted the potential for its implementation in other agricultural organizations.Based on these findings, future research could delve deeper into specific factors influencing the heart leadership style's effectiveness, such as the role of organizational culture, leadership development programs, and the impact on employee well-being.This quantitative study laid the foundation for further exploration of the heart leadership style, contributing to the body of knowledge in agricultural leadership practices and offering practical insights for organizations aiming to enhance employee engagement and overall performance.4. Leadership Development.Investigating the effectiveness of leadership development programs or training initiatives that aim to cultivate and enhance heart leadership skills among current and aspiring leaders within PT Perkebunan Nusantara III.This research could assess the impact of such programs on leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and organizational performance.1297 (2024) 012028 IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1297/1/01202811 Organizational Culture.Exploring the relationship between the implementation of the heart leadership style and the development of a positive organizational culture within PT Perkebunan Nusantara III.This research could examine how the leadership style influences the values, norms, and behaviors of employees, and how it contributes to a supportive and collaborative work environment.6. Employee Well-being.Investigating the impact of the heart leadership style on employee well-being, including factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and overall psychological well-being.This research could provide insights into how the leadership style contributes to creating a positive work environment that supports the well-being of employees.

Table 1 .
Interview questions to address three distinct research queries.
Q6.What characteristics should a leader possess in PT.Perkebunan Nusantara III?
2. Enhancing Employee Satisfaction and Motivation.Through the leadership style with a heart, leaders can inspire and motivate employees by understanding their needs and aspirations.By paying attention to employee well-being and personal goals, leaders can create strong emotional bonds, enhance job satisfaction, and motivate employees to achieve organizational goals.3. Building Strong Relationships.The leadership style with a heart encourages leaders to build strong relationships with employees.By actively listening, providing attention, and understanding employee perspectives, leaders can create bonds based on trust, mutual understanding, and close collaboration.4. Increasing Engagement and Productivity.Leaders who use the leadership style with a heart can increase employee engagement.By involving employees in decision-making, providing support, and 1297 (2024) 012028