Social Psychology Research

Examining the Impact of Ethical Leadership on Job Performance with the Mediating Role of Workplace Bullying and Knowledge Hiding, and the Moderating Role of Job Engagement in Insurance Industry

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abbasali Rastgar 1
Azim Zarei 2
Hamed Dayyani 3
Elham Sadat Kia 3

1 Professor, Faculty of Economics, Management and Administrative Sciences, semnan university

2 Professor of Department of Business Management, Faculty of Economics, Management and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

3 P.H.D Student, Faculty of Economics, Management and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

10.22034/spr.2026.527278.2146
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of ethical leadership on job performance with the mediating roles of workplace bullying and knowledge hiding, as well as the moderating role of job engagement among employees in the insurance industry. This research is applied in nature and follows a descriptive-survey methodology. The statistical population consists of all employees of Alborz Insurance Company. Given that the total number of employees in this company is 1,585, based on the Krejcie-Morgan table, a sample size of 310 was determined. Simple random sampling was used for this study. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire’s validity was assessed for both content and construct, and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and PLS statistical software. The data analysis results showed that ethical leadership does not have a significant impact on job performance; however, it has a significant negative impact on workplace bullying and knowledge hiding. Furthermore, workplace bullying has a significant positive impact on knowledge hiding and a significant negative impact on job performance. Job engagement moderates the relationship between ethical leadership and job performance. Additionally, workplace bullying mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and job performance. Finally, the research findings indicate that knowledge hiding also mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and job performance.

Keywords

Workplace Bullying
Ethical Leadership
Knowledge Hiding
Job Engagement
Subjects
Social Psychology Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 June 2026

Home

Article Processing Charges

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us