A meta-analysis of authentic leadership research in healthcare sector

Purpose Empirical studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between authentic leadership and follower outcomes, creating challenges for developing effective management strategies. To address this issue, the present study investigates the effects of authentic leadership on employees' attitudinal, behavioral, and relational perception outcomes, while also examining the moderating roles of power distance, individualism–collectivism, and gender. Design/methodology/approach Following the PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was conducted based on a systematic review of 115 empirical studies involving healthcare employees (N = 44,078). Effect sizes were synthesized using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Findings The results indicate that among various outcomes, authentic leadership exerts the strongest influence on relational perception, particularly trust in the manager, followed by voice behavior, structural empowerment, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), job satisfaction, job performance, work engagement, psychological capital, and organizational commitment. In addition, authentic leadership significantly reduces workplace bullying, turnover intention, and burnout. Power distance, individualism/collectivism, and gender are found to significantly moderate some of these relationships. Originality/value This study advances the understanding of how authentic leadership shapes follower outcomes in the healthcare sector and offers important theoretical and practical implications for leadership research and practice in this context.