Exploring Resilience as a Mediator Between Charismatic Leadership and Affective Commitment to Change

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of charismatic leadership on change initiatives (affective commitment to change), mediated by resilience. Method: Data was collected using the Affective Commitment Inventory. Charismatic leadership scales (Conger & Kanungo, and Resilience inventory) using Structural Equation Modelling. This study surveyed 355 employees in the banking and insurance industry. Results Finding and Discussion: The results showed that charismatic leadership positively affected affective commitment to change directly and by resilience as a partial mediator. It is also demonstrated that the results added to the body of knowledge and theory concerning the function and adaptability of charismatic leaders in change initiatives and change management procedures. Research Implications: The results contribute to the organization in terms of developing the change agent with a style of charismatic leadership to develop an affective commitment to change. Originality/Value: The research offers about manage organizational change, especially to manage the strategic position of leaders as How to be a change agent. To create an affective commitment, change leaders must adopt the characteristics of charismatic leaders, including unconventional behavior, innovative and unique activities, and sensitivity to their followers.