How and when do strengths work? The effect of strengths-based leadership on follower career satisfaction

PurposeDrawing on conversation of resources theory, the present paper aimed to investigate the effect of strengths-based leadership on follower career satisfaction and the mediating role of follower strengths use as well as the moderating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship.Design/methodology/approachResearch data were gathered at 3 time points with a sample of 210 participants working in various organizations in China. Structural equation model (SEM) was applied to examine the authors' hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicated that strengths-based leadership has a positive impact on follower career satisfaction and follower strengths use fully mediates the effect of strengths-based leadership on follower career satisfaction. More importantly, emotional exhaustion enhanced the direct relationship between strengths use and career satisfaction and the indirect association of strengths-based leadership with follower career satisfaction through follower strengths use.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the present paper was the single source of research data.Originality/valueThe present paper advances strengths-based leadership theory and research and provides a new insight into cultivating employee career satisfaction.