Exploring Mechanisms From Leader Consideration and Information Sharing to Follower Behavior

Abstract

In this study, we examine (1) the effect of leader consideration and information sharing on follower proactive behavior, and (2) the sequential mediating role of positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and job satisfaction. Data were collected from a pair of 369 leader-followers, with followers responding to their PsyCap, job satisfaction, and leadership style of the immediate leader while matching leaders responded to follower proactive behavior. Structural equation modeling was performed to test hypotheses. The study found that PsyCap and job satisfaction had a sequential mediating effect on the relationship between leader consideration and follower proactive behavior. In addition, leader consideration directly affects follower PsyCap, job satisfaction, and proactive behavior. This study demonstrates how leadership style ultimately influences follower behavior through followers’ positive PsyCap and attitudes. By adopting the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) model, we extended the theoretical understanding of the leadership influence process.