Leader trait learning goal orientation and employee voice behavior: the mediating role of managerial openness and the moderating role of felt obligation

Abstract

We theorized and tested the process through which leader trait learning goal orientation influences employee voice behavior. Data were collected from 507 employees and 70 supervisors in a variety of companies in Southeast China. Results obtained from hierarchical linear modeling showed that leader trait learning goal orientation was significantly related to employee voice behavior, and that managerial openness mediated this relationship. Moreover, our cross-level interaction results showed that felt obligation for constructive change moderated the relationship between managerial openness and employee voice behavior, such that this relationship was positive only among employees with a high felt obligation for constructive change. The implications of our findings for the theory and practice of leadership and employee voice behavior are discussed here.