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From Influence to Impact: How Transformational Leadership Shapes Employee Behavior Through Psychological Activation

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Rofiqul Islam

    (A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX 78041, USA)

  • Leonel Prieto

    (A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX 78041, USA)

  • Md Farid Talukder

    (College of Business, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA 70605, USA)

Abstract

This study investigates how transformational leadership impacts pro-environmental and proactive work behaviors through key employee psychological states: self-efficacy, change orientation, and positive affect. We argue that transformational leadership significantly enhances these psychological states, which can drive proactive and pro-environmental workplace behaviors. We used survey data collected via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) from 542 full-time employees in the United States. Data analysis used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results confirm that transformational leadership significantly enhances self-efficacy, change orientation, and positive affect, factors that in turn promote pro-environmental work behavior. Moreover, change orientation and positive affect (but not self-efficacy) favor proactive work behavior. These findings emphasize the role of employee psychological mechanisms in translating leadership into sustainable workplace behavior. The study contributes to the leadership and sustainability literature by clarifying how internal psychological resources act as behavioral catalysts. Leaders can formulate strategies focusing on emotional and cognitive empowerment. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Rofiqul Islam & Leonel Prieto & Md Farid Talukder, 2025. "From Influence to Impact: How Transformational Leadership Shapes Employee Behavior Through Psychological Activation," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:9:p:344-:d:1739452
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bakker, Arnold B. & Hetland, Jørn & Kjellevold Olsen, Olav & Espevik, Roar, 2023. "Daily transformational leadership: A source of inspiration for follower performance?," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 41(5), pages 700-708.
    2. Saskia Crucke & Marie Servaes & Tom Kluijtmans & Shana Mertens & Eveline Schollaert, 2022. "Linking environmentally‐specific transformational leadership and employees' green advocacy: The influence of leadership integrity," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(2), pages 406-420, March.
    3. Soo Jin Baik & Hae-Deok Song & Ah Jeong Hong, 2018. "Craft Your Job and Get Engaged: Sustainable Change-Oriented Behavior at Work," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-13, November.
    4. Yu-Shan Chen & Ching-Hsun Chang & Yu-Hsien Lin, 2014. "Green Transformational Leadership and Green Performance: The Mediation Effects of Green Mindfulness and Green Self-Efficacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(10), pages 1-18, September.
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