Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and its sub-theory Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET), the present study examines how ethical leadership relates to employees' job crafting through intrinsic motivation, and how this indirect relationship is contingent on job feedback. We proposed that ethical leadership is positively related to job crafting via intrinsic motivation, and that job feedback moderates this indirect effect by providing competence-relevant informational cues. Methods: We tested our hypotheses using two-wave data collected from 102 employees in the customer service department of a gaming company in northern China. Results: The results provided preliminary evidence of a moderated mediation pattern, suggesting that the indirect association between ethical leadership and job crafting through intrinsic motivation varied as a function of job feedback. Discussion: These findings extend research on ethical leadership and job crafting by clarifying intrinsic motivation as the motivational mechanism and job feedback as a key boundary condition. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Institution: Renmin University of China
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G201360672
OpenAlex ID: W7222632187