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Does Servant Leadership Promote Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Citizenship Behavior among Employees? A Structural Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Kalpina Kumari

    (Faculty of Department of Business Administration, Greenwich University, Karachi 75500, Pakistan)

  • Jawad Abbas

    (Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan)

  • Jinsoo Hwang

    (The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Korea)

  • Lucian Ionel Cioca

    (Faculty of Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Blv. Victoriei 10, 550024 Sibiu, Romania)

Abstract

The last two decades have seen a conspicuous rise in the importance of leadership styles. Servant Leadership (SL) is believed to be a pioneering style of leadership that aims to serve others first. Based on the Social Learning Theory and Social Exchange Theory, this study investigates whether SL promotes Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) among employees. In this regard, it also examines what role the employees’ Emotional Intelligence (EI) plays between the two variables. A sample of 422 responses was obtained from the managerial and non-managerial staff service and manufacturing industries using a non-probability sampling technique. The data that was collected was analyzed using the PLS-SEM technique. The results indicated a strong positive relationship between SL and OCB. Moreover, the employees’ EI was also found to mediate the relationship between the two variables partially. The analysis showed that leaders who can serve their followers’ needs and expectations to the best of their abilities could promote and strengthen EI among their employees, which eventually boosted their followers’ behavior’s emotional and motivational aspects. This study suggests that managers adopt an SL style that fosters empathy and trust with their employees. Meeting their employees’ expectations and requirements may boost their EI, which helps them attract positive energy and create an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration.

Suggested Citation

  • Kalpina Kumari & Jawad Abbas & Jinsoo Hwang & Lucian Ionel Cioca, 2022. "Does Servant Leadership Promote Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Citizenship Behavior among Employees? A Structural Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:5231-:d:802615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jiao Wang & Puja Sunil Pawar & Ibrahim Alnafrah & Asif Muzaffar, 2025. "Linking organizational dynamics to digital capabilities and ESG outcomes: a market-oriented approach," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-24, December.
    2. Ying Tan & Feng Hai & József Popp & Judit Oláh, 2022. "Minimizing Waste in the Food Supply Chain: Role of Information System, Supply Chain Strategy, and Network Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Shuo Yang & Lanxia Zhang & Lele Wang, 2023. "Key Factors of Sustainable Development of Organization: Bibliometric Analysis of Organizational Citizenship Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.
    4. Morin Geneviève & Talbot David, 2024. "Advancing Corporate Social Responsibility: Development of a Measurement Scale Unveiling Organizational Citizenship Behaviors in Culturally Diverse Environments," Journal of Intercultural Management, Sciendo, vol. 16(1), pages 99-135, March.
    5. Syeda Fatima Azeemi & Dr. Fouzia Ashfaq & Khurram Shahnawaz Rana, 2024. "Empathetic Influence: Charting a Course for Employee Well-being Through Leadership in the Service Sector," Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), Research Foundation for Humanity (RFH), vol. 13(1), pages 690-695.
    6. Xiaofei Yan & Juan Felipe Espinosa-Cristia & Kalpina Kumari & Lucian Ionel Cioca, 2022. "Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility, Organizational Trust, and Corporate Reputation for Sustainable Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-15, July.

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