The inverted U-shaped relationship between authentic leadership and unethical pro-organizational behavior

Abstract

We conducted a survey to examine the influence of authentic leadership on employees' unethical pro-organizational behavior, basing our research on the theory of organizational identification. Participants were 229 employees of four firms in China. The results show that authentic leadership and employees' unethical pro-organizational behavior had an inverted U-shaped relationship, and that the relationship was mediated by organizational identification. Additionally, moral identity moderated the relationship between authentic leadership and employees' unethical pro-organizational behavior. The research results provide suggestions for reducing employees' pro-organizational unethical behavior by changing the leadership style supervisors use, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the company.