Explaining turnover intention: The role of leadership in organizational contexts

Abstract

Leaders assume an important role in organizational success by influencing workers' attitudes and behaviors. The Leadership Efficacy Model (LEM) is a recent theoretical proposal focusing on factors that increase leadership efficacy. According to the LEM, three leadership factors can explain the efficacy of leadership: leadership cycles, leadership styles, and antecedent factors of leadership. This study explored the relationship between the congruence of leadership cycles and leadership efficacy (measured by turnover intention), analyzing whether leadership styles and antecedent factors of leadership moderate this relationship. The study included 842 participants evaluated in terms of leadership cycles, leadership styles, antecedent factors of leadership, and turnover intention. The results confirmed that congruence between the conceptual and practical cycles of leadership was associated with lower turnover intention and that the leadership styles were moderators of this relationship. These findings contribute to the leadership field and provide valuable insights for managing organizations.