How Transformational Leadership Affect Career Satisfaction: Mediating Role of Staff Engagement and Moderating Influence of Ethical Culture

Abstract

This study examines the impact of transformational leadership on career satisfaction among employees. It investigates the mediating role of staff engagement in this relationship and explores how ethical culture moderates the effect of transformational leadership on career satisfaction. The study aims to provide insights into how leadership style, employee engagement, and organizational ethics interact to shape career-related outcomes. Research method, Design,  approach. This study uses a quantitative, cross-sectional design with structured questionnaires distributed to employees across healthcare, education, & corporate organizations sectors. A sample of 230 participants is selected convenience sampling. All items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and data is analyzed using SPSS Software version 26.Findings Transformational leadership positively influences career satisfaction by fostering empowerment, vision, and personal growth. Staff engagement acts as a mediator, meaning transformational leadership enhances engagement, which in turn leads to greater career satisfaction. Ethical culture serves as a moderator, strengthening the impact of transformational leadership and making staff engagement more effective and sustainable. These three elements leadership, engagement, and ethical culture interact to create a supportive organizational environment that promotes employee career satisfaction. This topic stands out because it uniquely combines transformational leadership, career satisfaction, and staff engagement while introducing ethical culture as a moderating factor. It fills a gap in existing research by exploring how ethical context shapes leadership effectiveness and employee outcomes.