Navigate Employees’ CSR Perceptions and Leadership Roles: An Individual-level Study

Abstract

This study evaluates the mediational role of employee perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) between two leadership styles and employee outcomes. Data was collected from 348 front-line employees of hotels in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to test the data in AMOS. Results reveal that employees’ perception of organizations' CSR is shaped by its leader’s moral conduct and helps to enhance their commitment and engagement towards the organization. Findings reveal that partial mediation yields better results than full mediation and CSR mediates the relation between ethical, participative leadership and employees’ outcomes that leads toward higher engagement and commitment. The study is unique in its nature by investigating employees' perceived CSR as a mediator to explore the underlying mechanism between leadership roles and employees’ outcomes. The study holds valuable implications for managers and organizations especially for enhancing employee engagement and commitment.