Effect of Toxic Leadership on Workplace Bullying: A Mediation and Moderation Analysis

Zain Ashfaq; Anam Ashraf; Jamshaid Ahmad

doi:10.29145/jmr.121.02

Authors

Zain Ashfaq Department of Business Administration, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1786-1053
Anam Ashraf Faculty of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2793-2841
Jamshaid Ahmad Higher Education Department, Government of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7903-2675

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29145/jmr.121.02

Keywords:

employee silence, employee voice, psychological well-being, toxic leadership, workplace bullying

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of toxic leadership on workplace bullying across multiple sectors in Gujranwala, Pakistan, emphasizing the mediating effects of employee silence and psychological well-being, as well as the moderating effect of employee voice. A systematic survey was conducted with 384 employees from various industries and the data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Statistical results were drawn through SPSS and AMOS. The findings show that toxic leadership has a significant impact on workplace bullying, with employee silence and psychological well-being acting as essential mediators. Contrary to predictions, employee voice did not moderate the association between toxic leadership and bullying, implying that the impact of toxic leadership is widespread, regardless of employees' willingness to speak up. The results demonstrate how organizations can reduce workplace bullying and enhance employee well-being by addressing toxic leadership and fostering a positive work environment.