Transformational Leadership and Life Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Self-esteem and Subjective Experience of Work Success

Abstract

Transformational leadership theory seems ideal for the South African context that is experiencing significant changes since the first democratic elections in 1994. Very little evidence is available regarding the role of self-esteem and success at work in the relationship between transformational leadership and life satisfaction, especially in South Africa. Data was collected in different organizations using cross-sectional design and a convenience sample (N = 616). The results suggest that all transformational leadership characteristics were significantly related to one another on the one hand and to self-esteem, subjective experiences of work success and life satisfaction on the other hand. A good fit of the data to the hypothesized model and closer inspection of the total, direct and indirect effects confirmed the partial mediation effect of self-esteem and subjective experiences of success at work in the relationship between transformational leadership and life satisfaction. Managerial implications and suggestions for future studies are provided.