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The Moderated Influence of Ethical Leadership, Via Meaningful Work, on Followers’ Engagement, Organizational Identification, and Envy

Author

Listed:
  • Ozgur Demirtas

    (Inonu University)

  • Sean T. Hannah

    (Wake Forest University)

  • Kubilay Gok

    (Winona State University)

  • Aykut Arslan

    (Piri Reis University)

  • Nejat Capar

    (Meliksah University)

Abstract

This study examines a proposed model whereby ethical leadership positively influences the level of meaning followers experience in their work, which in turn positively impacts followers’ levels of work engagement and organizational identification, as well as reduces their levels of workplace envy. We further hypothesized that cognitive reappraisal strategies for emotional regulation would moderate the ethical leadership–meaningful work relationship. The model was tested in a stratified random field sample of 440 employees and their direct supervisors in the aviation industry in Turkey. Results based on data collected at two points in time showed that ethical leadership has a significant and positive direct effect on engagement and organizational identification, as well as indirect effects on those two outcomes through meaningfulness. Finally, results show that ethical leadership has a significant negative direct effect on workplace envy. Further, results showed that cognitive reappraisal emotion regulation strategy positively moderates, i.e., strengthens, the relationship between ethical leadership and meaningful work.

Suggested Citation

  • Ozgur Demirtas & Sean T. Hannah & Kubilay Gok & Aykut Arslan & Nejat Capar, 2017. "The Moderated Influence of Ethical Leadership, Via Meaningful Work, on Followers’ Engagement, Organizational Identification, and Envy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 145(1), pages 183-199, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:145:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2907-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2907-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Xu, Mengxi & Wang, Wei & Ou, Carol & Song, Baoxiang, 2023. "Does IT matter for work meaningfulness?: Exploring the mediating role of job crafting," Other publications TiSEM 53be7105-cc88-4dee-a738-b, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
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    5. Ahmed Mohammed Sayed Mostafa, 2022. "The Moderating Role of Self-Sacrificing Disposition and Work Meaningfulness on the Relationship Between Work-Family Conflict and Emotional Exhaustion," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1579-1597, April.
    6. Steven A. Brieger & Dirk Clercq & Timo Meynhardt, 2021. "Doing Good, Feeling Good? Entrepreneurs’ Social Value Creation Beliefs and Work-Related Well-Being," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 172(4), pages 707-725, September.
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    9. Yuming Wang & Wenan Hu & Zhaopeng Liu & Jinlian Luo, 2023. "My Family Accounts Much for Me: How Does Work-to-Family Conflict Lead to Unethical Pro-Family Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-20, February.
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    12. Evgenia I. Lysova & Jennifer Tosti-Kharas & Christopher Michaelson & Luke Fletcher & Catherine Bailey & Peter McGhee, 2023. "Ethics and the Future of Meaningful Work: Introduction to the Special Issue," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 185(4), pages 713-723, July.
    13. Lei Qi & Xin Wei & Yuhan Li & Bing Liu & Zikun Xu, 2020. "The Influence of Mistreatment by Patients on Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention among Chinese Nurses: A Three-Wave Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-16, February.
    14. Tuan, Luu Trong & Ngan, Vu Thanh, 2021. "Leading ethically to shape service-oriented organizational citizenship behavior among tourism salespersons: Dual mediation paths and moderating role of service role identity," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    15. Vítor Hugo Silva & Ana Patrícia Duarte & Joana Palmeira Oliveira, 2023. "How Does Authentic Leadership Boost Work Engagement? Exploring the Mediating Role of Work Meaningfulness and Work–Family Enrichment," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-17, October.
    16. Mai Chi Vu & Roger Gill, 2023. "Are Leaders Responsible for Meaningful Work? Perspectives from Buddhist-Enacted Leaders and Buddhist Ethics," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 187(2), pages 347-370, October.
    17. Shuwen Li & Ruiqian Jia & Juergen H. Seufert & Jinlian Luo & Rui Sun, 2023. "You may not reap what you sow: How and when ethical leadership promotes subordinates’ online helping behavior," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 40(4), pages 1683-1702, December.
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    19. Dov Fischer & Hershey Friedman, 2021. "Family Business in the #MeToo Era: Lessons from Ruth on Tone at the Top," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 37-55, April.

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