An empirical analysis of the leader–member exchange and employee turnover intentions mediated by mobbing: evidence from sport organisations

Abstract

Despite the existence of numerous important factors that affect organisations’ efficiency and productivity, including leader–member exchange, mobbing, and employee turnover intentions, studies analysing the relationships among these variables are scarce in the sports literature. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between leader–member exchange and turnover intentions, focusing primarily on the mediating role of mobbing. The sample for the study was collected from participants who worked in a public organisation providing sports and physical activity services. The results of the study showed statistically significant relationships among leader–member exchange, mobbing, and employee turnover intentions. More specifically, leader–member exchange was found to have a significant negative relationship with mobbing and employee turnover intentions. Mobbing, on the other hand, had a significant positive relationship with employee turnover intentions and mediated the relationship between leader–member exchange and employee turnover intentions. Managerial and research implications and contributions of the study were discussed.