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The Effect of Ethical Leadership Behavior on Ethical Climate, Turnover Intention, and Affective Commitment

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Abstract

This study examines a mediated model of ethical leadership on ethical climate, turnover intention, and affective commitment. It is suggested that managers are role models in their organizations. Specifically, through ethical leadership behavior, managers can influence perceptions of ethical climate, which in turn will positively influence organizational members’ turnover intention, and affective commitment. The results indicate that ethical leadership has both direct and indirect effect on affective commitment and turnover intention. The indirect effect of ethical leadership involves shaping perceptions of ethical climate, which in turn, engenders greater affective organizational commitment and less turnover intention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Turkish Air Force, Kayseri, Turkey

    Ozgur Demirtas

  2. Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey

    A. Asuman Akdogan

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  1. Ozgur Demirtas
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  2. A. Asuman Akdogan
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Correspondence to Ozgur Demirtas.

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Demirtas, O., Akdogan, A.A. The Effect of Ethical Leadership Behavior on Ethical Climate, Turnover Intention, and Affective Commitment. J Bus Ethics 130, 59–67 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2196-6

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