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The mediating role of racial discrimination in the relationship between authentic leadership and job commitment in Ghanaian Public Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Richard Arhinful

    (Multimedia University)

  • Hayford Asare Obeng

    (World Peace University)

  • Leviticus Mensah

    (Multimedia University)

  • Ebenezer Asante-Darko

    (World Peace University)

Abstract

Ghana has implemented various laws and policies to promote justice and equality, including the National Policy on Equal Opportunities, the Affirmative Action Policy, and the Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651). The Labour Act is key to ensuring workplace fairness, prohibiting discrimination. However, racial and social inequalities persist, especially in the public sector. This study uses social identity theory to explore how authentic leadership impacts job commitment, with racial discrimination serving as a mediator. Data were collected from 333 employees in a local government in Ghana using a convenience sampling technique. The data were analysed through AMOS software, applying confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Results showed significant positive effects of authentic leadership on job commitment and racial discrimination. Racial discrimination also had a notable positive impact on job commitment and partially mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and job commitment. Given the prevalence of racial discrimination, authentic leaders should actively address biases. Local government leaders should establish clear anti-discrimination policies and efficient reporting systems to foster a secure environment where employees feel encouraged to report racism. This approach will help reduce the negative impact of racial discrimination in the workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Arhinful & Hayford Asare Obeng & Leviticus Mensah & Ebenezer Asante-Darko, 2025. "The mediating role of racial discrimination in the relationship between authentic leadership and job commitment in Ghanaian Public Organizations," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:futbus:v:11:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s43093-025-00541-7
    DOI: 10.1186/s43093-025-00541-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hayford Asare Obeng & Richard Arhinful & Leviticus Mensah & Jerry Seth Owusu-Sarfo, 2024. "Assessing the Influence of the Knowledge Management Cycle on Job Satisfaction and Organizational Culture Considering the Interplay of Employee Engagement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-28, October.
    2. Hayford Asare Obeng & Richard Arhinful & Leviticus Mensah & Dennis Affum Osei, 2024. "Investigating the influence of green human resource management practices on employee behavior and organizational commitment in Ghana’s tourism sector," Journal of Tourism Management Research, Conscientia Beam, vol. 11(1), pages 75-97.
    3. Richard Arhinful & Mehrshad Radmehr, 2023. "The Impact of Financial Leverage on the Financial Performance of the Firms Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, November.
    4. Addisu Debalkie Demissie & Abebe Ejigu Alemu & Assefa Tsegay Tensay, 2024. "The nexus between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior through the mediating role of perceived organizational politics in Ethiopian federal public service organizations," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(1), pages 2336653-233, December.
    5. Hayford Asare Obeng & Richard Arhinful & Dagnu Haile Tessema & Japheth Ahmed Nuhu, 2025. "The mediating role of organisational stress in the relationship between gender diversity and employee performance in Ghanaian public hospitals," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-19, December.
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    8. Richard Arhinful & Leviticus Mensah & Halkawt Ismail Mohammed Amin, 2024. "Does corporate governance influence corporate social responsibility in developing African countries? Evidence from manufacturing companies listed in Ghana and Nigeria's Stock Exchange," International Journal of Corporate Governance, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 14(3), pages 247-271.
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    11. Richard Arhinful & Leviticus Mensah & Halkawt Ismail Mohammed Amin & Hayford Asare Obeng, 2024. "The influence of cost of debt, cost of equity and weighted average cost of capital on dividend policy decision: evidence from non-financial companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-24, December.
    12. Kiho Jun & Zhehua Hu & Joonghak Lee, 2024. "Unlocking the relationship between authentic leadership and organizational citizenship behavior: the key roles of organizational support and identification," Management Research Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 48(1), pages 57-77, September.
    13. Min-Seong Kim & Brijesh Thapa, 2018. "Relationship of Ethical Leadership, Corporate Social Responsibility and Organizational Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-16, February.
    14. Richard Arhinful & Mehrshad Radmehr, 2023. "The effect of financial leverage on financial performance: evidence from non-financial institutions listed on the Tokyo stock market," Journal of Capital Markets Studies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(1), pages 53-71, June.
    15. Clay M. Voorhees & Michael K. Brady & Roger Calantone & Edward Ramirez, 2016. "Discriminant validity testing in marketing: an analysis, causes for concern, and proposed remedies," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 44(1), pages 119-134, January.
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