Spiritual leadership and employee voice behavior in higher education institutions: A moderated mediation model

This study investigated the effect of spiritual leadership on employee voice behavior in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. Further, present research examines the mediating effect of career success expectation. Additionally, this research investigated the moderating effect of emotional intelligence. This study used a stratified sample method to gather data from 410 members of the administration and faculty at Pakistani universities using a questionnaire survey. Applying a time-lagged (Two-wave) data gathering methodology helped to minimize common method biases. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the study hypotheses. Findings showed that spiritual leadership was positively associated to employee voice behavior. Further, career success expectation mediates the relationship between spiritual leadership and employee voice behavior. In addition, emotional intelligence plays a moderating role in the relationship between spiritual leadership and employee voice behavior. This research examines the relationship between spiritual leadership, career success expectations, and emotional intelligence in influencing employee voice behavior within Pakistani higher education institutions. It highlights that mediating role of career success expectations and the moderating role of emotional intelligence, providing fresh perspectives on how leadership dynamics foster voice behavior in this context. Present research found that spiritual leadership has a positive influence on employee voice behavior in the Pakistani higher education institutions. Career success expectation mediates this association, enhancing the impact of spiritual leadership on voice behavior. Additionally, emotional intelligence moderates this relationship, further strengthening employee voice behavior. This research provides theoretical enrichment, practical strategies, and future directions for HEI management in Pakistan.