Responsible leadership and turnover intentions in health-care professionals: the mediating role of burnout

Abstract

Purpose Drawing on social identity theory, this study aims to test how responsible leadership predicts turnover intentions by considering the mediating role of burnout. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 213 Portuguese health-care workers was collected and analysed through partial least squares-structural equation modelling. Findings The findings indicate a negative relationship between responsible leadership and turnover intentions. Burnout is positively associated with turnover intentions, and, in turn, responsible leadership is negatively associated with burnout. Burnout also partially mediates the association of responsible leadership with turnover intention. Originality/value The findings provide a fresh perspective on leadership dynamics in the health-care context by expressing the role of responsible leadership in reducing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of work, thus mitigating intentions to leave.