Title: THE IMPACT OF ALTRUISTIC LEADERSHIP ON TURNOVER INTENTION: THE MODERATING EFFECT OF CARING ETHICAL CLIMATE

Author: Lami Musa Yaro

Abstract: This study examined the effect of altruistic leadership on turnover intention, with organizational cynicism serving as a mediating variable and caring ethical climate functioning as a moderating variable among employees in higher education institutions. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that altruistic leadership plays a significant role in influencing employees’ turnover intention and reducing organizational cynicism. The study further reveals that organizational cynicism serves as an important mechanism through which altruistic leadership affects employees’ intention to leave their organizations. Additionally, a caring ethical climate was found to weaken the relationship between altruistic leadership and turnover intention, demonstrating its protective role in fostering employee retention. Overall, the findings suggest that promoting altruistic leadership, minimizing organizational cynicism, and cultivating a caring ethical climate can enhance employee commitment and reduce turnover intention in higher education institutions. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on leadership and employee retention by providing empirical evidence on the direct, mediating, and moderating relationships among the study variables. The findings also offer practical insights for institutional administrators and policymakers seeking to strengthen workforce stability through effective leadership and ethical organizational practices.

Keywords: Altruistic leadership; Organizational cynicism; Caring ethical climate; Turnover intention; Higher education institutions.

PDF Download