The impacts of CEO leadership behaviors on employees' affective commitment and scouting behavior: the mediating role of symmetrical internal communication
Leadership & Organization Development Journal
ISSN: 0143-7739
Article publication date: 11 January 2022
Issue publication date: 15 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine how senior leadership influences corporate communication and employees' attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. Using two-way symmetrical communication model in public relations and leadership theory, it investigated the effects of CEOs' task- and relationship-oriented leadership on symmetrical internal communication, employees' organizational commitment and communicative behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted with 417 full-time employees working in various industries in the United States.
Findings
The results showed that CEOs' relationship-oriented leadership significantly influenced symmetrical internal communication, which, in turn, increased affective commitment and employees' scouting behavior. CEOs' task-oriented communication had no significant effect on symmetrical communication.
Originality/value
This study advances theoretical understanding of two-way symmetrical communication in relation to senior leadership and provides practical insights for corporate leaders and public relations practitioners regarding how to improve employee outcomes through CEOs' strategic leadership and internal communication practices.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: The study was funded by Yonsei University Research Fund of 2021 (No: 2021-22-0312).
Citation
Lee, Y. and Kim, J. (2022), "The impacts of CEO leadership behaviors on employees' affective commitment and scouting behavior: the mediating role of symmetrical internal communication", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 261-278. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-11-2020-0501
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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