Exploitative Leadership and Employee Vitality in the Software Industry of Pakistan: Workplace Impostor Thoughts as a Mediator and Self-Compassion as a Moderator
Abstract
This study explores how exploitative leadership (EL) affects employee vitality (EV), a vital element for productivity and motivation. It further delves into how workplace impostor thoughts (WIT) mediate and self-compassion (SC) moderates the relationship between the two constructs. The data were gathered through a structured questionnaire survey from full-time employees working in software houses in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. 305 questionnaires were distributed, of which 255 were received. The research used quantitative research design and tested research hypotheses through Structural Equation Modelling using SmartPLS-4 and SPSS. The findings show valuable insights into how exploitative leadership negatively affects employee vitality and positively affects workplace impostor thoughts. Further, self-compassion moderates the relationship between exploitative leadership and workplace impostor thoughts. It is assumed to serve as a psychological resource that mitigates the effects of exploitative leadership. Addressing the gaps, the present study’s findings demonstrate the need for the IT sector to develop supportive leadership styles and strengthen employees’ psychological resources.
Keywords: Exploitative Leadership, Workplace Impostor Thoughts, Employee Vitality, Self-Compassion.
