Title: Influence of transformational leadership on employee engagement: a mediated moderation model

Authors: Rooha Butt; Ahsan Ali Ashraf; Kaleem Ahmed; Alia Ahmed

Addresses: University of Sialkot, 1-Km Main, Daska Road, Sialkot, Punjab 51040, Sialkot, Pakistan ' Lahore Business School, University of Lahore, 1-Km Defence Road, near Bhuptian Chowk, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan ' The University of Chenab, G.T. Road, Adjacent Chenab Bridge, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Punjab 50700, Pakistan ' National College of Business Administration and Economics, 40-E1, Gulberg III, Punjab 54000, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract: Leadership's influential role in shaping organisations and inspiring employees is widely acknowledged. This study enriches the literature on work engagement by delving into Pakistan's context, and investigating how leadership style impacts work engagement. The mediating factors of meaning in work, trust in managers, and the moderating role of person-environment fit are examined. A sample of 302 participants was used, and the analysis employed both SPSS and PLS-SEM. Results reveal statistical support for the positive link between transformational leadership and work engagement. This connection is mediated through trust in managers and meaning in work, with person-environment fit acting as a moderator. While direct correlation wasn't observed, mediation effects proved significant. Trust in managers emerged as a pivotal mediator, and person-environment fit as a crucial boundary. These findings underscore the importance of ethical leadership behaviour and proper training for supervisors. Effective leadership, especially with a strong person-environment fit, fosters meaningful work and engagement.

Keywords: transformational leadership; work engagement; trust in manager; meaning in work; person environment fit.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2025.144780

Middle East Journal of Management, 2025 Vol.12 No.2, pp.151 - 173

Received: 10 Jul 2023
Accepted: 22 Aug 2023
Published online: 03 Mar 2025 *

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