How authentic leadership and inclusion benefit organizations

Bibliographic Data

ID6058765
AuthorsKenna Cottrill (Alliant University), Patricia Denise Lopez (0000-0002-0642-2226, Alliant University), Calvin C Hoffman (Alliant University)
EditorsJohanna Hofbauer and Dr Astrid Podsiadlowski
Year2014
Volume33
Issue3
Pages275-292
Publication date2014-03-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEqual Opportunities International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/edi-05-2012-0041
OpenAlexW2131155751
LanguageEN
Citations received23
References cited55

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of inclusion and related factors, to understand how organizations can encourage and facilitate the full participation of employees. The research explored authentic leadership (AL) as an antecedent of inclusion, and two outcomes, organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Design/methodology/approach – Using an online survey, data were collected from 107 primary and 219 peer participants in various industries throughout the USA. Primary participants provided perceptual ratings on inclusion, AL, OBSE and OCB. Co-workers assessed primary participants’ OCB. Findings – AL was positively related to inclusion ( β =0.58, p <0.01) as well as self-rated OCB ( β =0.36, p <0.01). Inclusion was positively associated with OBSE ( β =0.48, p <0.01) and self-rated OCB ( β =0.63, p <0.01). Inclusion mediated the relationship between AL and self-rated OCB. OBSE mediated the relationship between inclusion and self-rated OCB. All analyses controlled for the effects of race and gender. Practical implications – Results suggest organizations can promote inclusive environments through AL, and that inclusive environments promote employees’ work-related self-esteem and their willingness to go above and beyond in their jobs. Originality/value – This paper examines previously unstudied relationships, thus contributing to organizational theory and practice

Organizational citizenship behavior · Organizational commitment · Originality · Perception · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Psychology · Social Psychology · Work-Family Balance Challenges