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Corporate Culture, Leadership, and Pathological Relationships: A Moderated Mediation Model of Employees’ Well-Being

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates how corporate culture, work atmosphere, leadership, and pathological workplace relationships are linked to employees’ psychological well-being. Drawing on the JD-R framework and COR theory, we conceptualise supportive team dynamics and toxic interpersonal processes as parallel conditions shaping well-being at work. Survey data from 441 Slovak employees were analysed using a dual-moderated mediation model. The results show that corporate culture is positively associated with well-being mainly through its relationship with the work atmosphere, confirming the mediating role of workplace climate. Leadership moderates this pathway by attenuating the indirect association between culture and well-being. Contrary to expectations, pathological relationships did not exhibit a significant moderating effect, indicating that their role may be more complex and context-dependent. These findings extend existing models of employee well-being by incorporating negative social phenomena to an integrative framework. The study underscores the importance of examining both supportive and toxic aspects of organisational life simultaneously. Practically, the results suggest that fostering a positive culture, a healthy work atmosphere, and effective leadership practices can jointly strengthen employees’ psychological well-being.

Source: Administrative Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/admsci15100399

Authors: Jakub Michulek, Lubica Gajanova, Dominika Gajdosikova, Matus Senci

Institution: University of Žilina

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689