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The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety in the Relationship Between Paradoxical Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Sürücü Lütfi

    (Department of Business Administration, Altınbaş Cyprus University, Nicosia, Mersin 10, Turkey)

  • Bekmezci Mustafa

    (Department of Defense Management, Turkish Military Academy, National Defense University, Ankara, Turkey)

  • Dilek Hakan

    (Department of Business, Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey)

Abstract

Leadership theories have been discussed in two different ways: the “light side” and the “dark side” of leadership. However, instead of exhibiting one of the two opposite behaviors, leaders can exhibit both of these behaviors at the same time. Although this is a paradoxical approach, paradoxes are inherent in the world and organizations. Paradoxical leadership (PL) requires using two opposing behaviors simultaneously to address both organizational structure and individual needs in an organization. While PL is known to influence employees’ proactive behaviors, its impact on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has not yet been explored. This study examines the relationship between PL and OCB, focusing on the mediating role of psychological safety (PS) in this dynamic. Data were gathered from a sample of 302 employees in the manufacturing industry, selected using a convenience sampling method. The analysis revealed that PL positively affects OCB, and PS plays a mediating role in this relationship.

Suggested Citation

  • Sürücü Lütfi & Bekmezci Mustafa & Dilek Hakan, 2025. "The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety in the Relationship Between Paradoxical Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behavior," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 19(1), pages 1-16.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:econoa:v:19:y:2025:i:1:p:16:n:1005
    DOI: 10.1515/econ-2025-0175
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M19 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Other
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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