Limited empirical investigation has been devoted to understanding the multipleeffect mechanisms of moral leadership, especially the relationship between mediators. Drawing from both social learning and social exchange theories, this study examines whether value congruenee and leader-member exchange (LMX) mediate the effect of moral leadership on followers' positive work behaviors. Using two-wave survey data from 395 Chinese employees, the results indicate that both value congruence and LMX act as mediators in the relationship between moral leadership and positive work behaviors. Furthermore, a sequential mediation link from moral leadership to value congruenee, then to LMX, and finally to positive work behaviors was established. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.

Link:https://fbr.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s11782-019-0052-3