Positive Leadership Behaviour and Flourishing: The Mediating Role of Trust in Information Technology Organizations

Abstract Leaders across the globe have the accountability of leading their team members, ensuring a high level of trust in workplace (TWP) to flourish and enabling organizations towards goal achievement. These leaders work closely with their employees by recognizing their strengths and appreciating their accomplishment. They empower employees to higher levels of performance, thus creating value for stakeholders. The purpose of this research was to investigate the mediating role of TWP between positive leadership and flourishing. A total of 203 employees from the top 10 information technology (IT) organizations participated in the survey and completed three standardized, valid and reliable instruments. It was found that employees do experience positive leadership, flourishing and TWP to a moderate extent. A significant relationship was found between positive leadership, flourishing and TWP. These two moderately affected employees flourishing at the workplace. A model was developed and tested, it was found to be a good fit. Positive leadership behaviour (PLB) and TWP significantly influenced flourishing of employees. TWP mediated the relationship between PLB and flourishing. Findings of this study suggest that positive leaders are perceived as someone who recognize and focus on the strengths and accomplishments of employees. The research outcome will help develop strategies for leaders to explore and imbibe positive leadership approaches which would aid in developing a positive relationship between the constructs to engage employees better and move towards organizational success. The study is an attempt to examine the relationship between the constructs and contribute towards PLB, TWP and flourishing theory in the Indian IT context.