Transformational leadership, organizational commitment, emotional intelligence and job autonomy: Empirical analysis on the moderating and mediating variables

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of job autonomy ( JA) in the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and organizational commitment (OC) and the moderating effect of emotional intelligence (EI) on the relationship between JA and OC.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were obtained from the respondents of information technology industries across India by using convenience sampling.

Findings

The study reveals that TL positively influences employees’ OC via JA. Results further indicated that EI as the moderator strengthens the relationship between TL and OC mediated by JA.

Practical implications

The study recommends that leaders with high level of TL style should appeal to the emotions of their employees for significantly influencing their OC.

Originality/value

This paper extends upon prior research that has identified a relationship between TL and OC; this study proposes and analyzes a comprehensive and theoretically grounded structure of TL, JA, EI and employees’ OC, highlighting its theoretical and practical implications.

Citation

Jain, P. and Duggal, T. (2018), "Transformational leadership, organizational commitment, emotional intelligence and job autonomy: Empirical analysis on the moderating and mediating variables", Management Research Review, Vol. 41 No. 9, pp. 1033-1046. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-01-2018-0029