Exploring the relationship of ethical leadership, trust and work engagement in selected organisations

Abstract

Despite the growing importance of ethical leadership, many organisations worldwide have witnessed diminishing ethical leadership and trust in management. South Africa is not an exception to unethical practices with private and public sector corruption allegations in the past decade. Unfortunately, pitiable standards of ethics and venality taint the business environment. Therefore, the conversation on business morality, particularly ethical leadership, and developing a model of trust in organisations is highly legitimate and timely. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the mediating role of trust in leaders in the relationship between ethical leadership and engagement. The study utilizes a cross-sectional design and a convenient sampling frame (n = 132) recruited via social media to reach the objective from the positivistic paradigm and quantitative approach. The findings confirm the established positive relationship between ethical leadership, trust in the leader and work engagement. In addition, the results also suggest that the mediating role of trust in the leader could only be confirmed in the relationship between ethical leadership and dedication. Theoretical and managerial implications. as well as its limitations, are also provided