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From moral leadership to positive work behaviors: the mediating roles of value congruence and leader-member exchange

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  • Yuanjie Bao

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Chaoping Li

    (Renmin University of China)

Abstract

Limited empirical investigation has been devoted to understanding the multiple- effect mechanisms of moral leadership, especially the relationship between mediators. Drawing from both social learning and social exchange theories, this study examines whether value congruence and leader-member exchange (LMX) mediate the effect of moral leadership on followers’ positive work behaviors. Using two-wave survey data from 395 Chinese employees, the results indicate that both value congruence and LMX act as mediators in the relationship between moral leadership and positive work behaviors. Furthermore, a sequential mediation link from moral leadership to value congruence, then to LMX, and finally to positive work behaviors was established. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanjie Bao & Chaoping Li, 2019. "From moral leadership to positive work behaviors: the mediating roles of value congruence and leader-member exchange," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:fobric:v:13:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1186_s11782-019-0052-3
    DOI: 10.1186/s11782-019-0052-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Fulford, Mark D. & Coleman, Robert A., 2021. "Maximizing the value of values-based leadership (VBL): A reconceptualization for leaders and organizations," Journal of Applied Leadership and Management, Hochschule Kempten - University of Applied Sciences, Professional School of Business & Technology, vol. 9, pages 61-72.
    2. Chieh-Peng Lin & Chi Jhang & Yu-Min Wang, 2022. "Learning value-based leadership in teams: the moderation of emotional regulation," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 16(5), pages 1387-1408, July.

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