The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction in the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Work Engagement: An Analysis with the Structural Equation Model

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to reveal the relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement and with this examining the mediating role of job satisfaction between transformational leadership and work engagement. Design/methodology/approach – The research was carried out with the participation of 559 health workers reached by snowball sampling method in January-March 2021. In line with the data obtained by the survey method, confirmatory factor analyzes (CFA) were made for the scales using the MPlus 7 package program and the predicted mediating role of job satisfaction was tested with SEM (structural equation model) analysis. Findings – According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction and work engagement, and that job satisfaction has a full mediating role between transformational leadership and work engagement. Discussion – It can be said that the transformative leadership approach, which unites its followers around a valuable and inspiring goal, respects their needs, wishes and beliefs, helps them realize their potential, encourages and motivates them, has a strong effect on high focus and energy. In other words, as the transformational leadership perceptions of the employees increase, their level of work engagement is expected to increase. On the other hand, it has been determined that job satisfaction has a full mediating role between transformational leadership and work engagement. Accordingly, it can be stated that the leadership behaviors of the managers have a significant effect on the job satisfaction of the subordinates and thus ensure their concern with the job.