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Toxic leadership behaviour as a predictor of turnover intention among nurses in a Bangladeshi healthcare context: A conservation of resources perspective

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Orientation: Toxic leadership behaviour has become a critical organisational challenge in healthcare and is associated with poorer employee well-being and higher turnover intention. Research purpose: This study examined the relationship between toxic leadership behaviour and turnover intention and assessed whether organisational culture mediates this relationship among nurses in a large tertiary public hospital in Bangladesh. Motivation for the study: Although toxic leadership has attracted growing scholarly attention, empirical evidence on its relationship with organisational culture and turnover intention in developing-country healthcare contexts remains limited. Research approach/design and method: This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from 203 registered nurses, and partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test hypotheses. Main findings: Toxic leadership behaviour significantly and positively predicted turnover intention. It also significantly and negatively predicted organisational culture. However, organisational culture did not significantly predict turnover intention, and the mediating effect of organisational culture was not supported. Practical/managerial implications: Healthcare organisations should prioritise leadership assessment, monitoring and development initiatives to address toxic leadership and support workforce retention. Contribution/value-add: This study extends the application of conservation of resources theory by demonstrating that toxic leadership behaviour is positively associated with turnover intention and negatively associated with organisational culture in a demanding healthcare environment. It further contributes by providing evidence that organisational culture did not mediate the relationship between toxic leadership behaviour and turnover intention among nurses in a Bangladeshi healthcare context.

Source: SA Journal of Human Resource Management

DOI: 10.4102/sajhrm.v24i0.3903

Author: Khan K.R. Shovon

Institution: Liberty University

Language: English

Topic: Nursing education and management

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $699