INFLUENCE OF AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP ON ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Background: Authentic leadership plays a vital role in shaping positive work attitudes and behaviors among healthcare professionals. Organizational commitment is essential for improving job satisfaction, retention, and quality of care. However, evidence on the strength of this relationship has been inconsistent across studies.

Objectives: To examine the overall influence of authentic leadership on organizational commitment among healthcare professionals through a meta-analysis of six studies.

Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using six quantitative studies that investigated the relationship between authentic leadership and organizational commitment among healthcare professionals, including nurses and allied health staff. Studies were identified through database searches and screened based on inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model, and pooled correlation coefficients were calculated. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I² statistic.

Results: Six studies with a combined sample of 2,480 participants were included. The pooled results showed a moderate positive relationship between authentic leadership and organizational commitment (r = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31–0.52, p < 0.001). Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 60%). No significant publication bias was detected.

Conclusion: Authentic leadership has a significant positive influence on organizational commitment among healthcare professionals. Promoting authentic leadership behaviors in healthcare organizations can enhance employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are recommended to strengthen these findings.