The link between transformational leadership and organizational development: testing the mediating role of employees' maturity

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to test the association between transformational leadership and its components and organizational development. As a second aim, this study examines the extent to which employees' maturity may mediate the link between transformational leadership and organizational development.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 248 full-time employees (58% men, 42% women) recruited by a simple random sampling method from four Iranian public organizations. Participants were asked to complete scales on transformational leadership, organizational development, and employees' maturity.

Findings

Pearson correlation analysis showed a positively significant association between transformational leadership and organizational development. Furthermore, path analysis of structural equation modeling revealed that the direct effect of transformational leadership on organizational development is significant. Additionally, the analysis supported the mediating role of employees' maturity in the link between transformational leadership and organizational development.

Originality/value

Transformational leaders may use the maturity of employees to increase their impact in the process of organizational development.

Citation

Radi Afsouran, N., Charkhabi, M., Mohammadkhani, F. and Seidel, L. (2022), "The link between transformational leadership and organizational development: testing the mediating role of employees' maturity", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 41 No. 7/8, pp. 417-430. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-06-2021-0167