Leader Humility and Follower Commitment: Mediated Moderation of Self-Efficacy and Proactive Personality

Leader Humility and Follower Commitment

Abstract

This research investigates the mechanisms under which leader humility influences follower outcomes. Based on social cognitive theory and social exchange theory, this research investigates means and boundary conditions through which a humble leader inspires follower behaviour. We tested mediated moderation model by time lag data. Results reveal that leader humility positively influences follower outcomes (follower self-efficacy and follower commitment). Essentially, results support the hypothesized model that follower self-efficacy mediates the positive association between leader humility and follower commitment. This relation is more substantial when the leader proactive personality is high (and vice versa). Additionally, results support mediated moderation. This research contributes to the psychological theories and augments the literature on leader humility. The implications of the study are also explained. The research disclosed the potential limitation that could be fruitful for future researchers.