Perceived supervisor support and turnover intention: moderating effect of authentic leadership

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of authentic leadership (AL) on the relationship between seasonal employee’s perception of supervisor support and turnover intention (TI) in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on perceived supervisor support (PSS), AL and TI were gathered from 305 seasonal employees of five-star hotels in Antalya, Turkey with a time lag of one month. Hierarchical linear regression and hierarchical linear modeling were performed to test the multi-level data.

Findings

The findings revealed direct significant effects of both supervisor support and AL on TI. In addition, AL moderated the negative influence of PSS on TI.

Research limitations/implications

This multi-level research highlights the significance of AL for comprehending the link between seasonal hotel employees’ PSS and their TI. Directions for future research include a cross-cultural study examining the validity of the conceptual framework. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to check the common method variance.

Practical implications

AL through strengthening PSS works as a catalyst for keeping seasonal employees in the organization for the next season. Thus, practitioners should develop supervisors’ AL skills and they should encourage supervisors to be more efficient in improving themselves as a main source of support.

Originality/value

The research investigates the little-researched area of AL at the group level in relation to PSS and TI.

Citation

Arici, H.E. (2018), "Perceived supervisor support and turnover intention: moderating effect of authentic leadership", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 39 No. 7, pp. 899-913. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-07-2018-0248