Work Engagement at the Corporate Crossroads: The Role of Followers' Conflict Behaviors, Mediated by LMX, TMX, and Transformational Leadership, with Prosocial Motivation as a Moderator, in Pakistan's Workforce Dynamics

Abstract

This research explores the complex dynamics between follower conflict behaviors (FCBs) and work engagement (WE) within the private sector of Pakistan. It delves into different types of conflict behaviors, including Problem-Solving Behaviors (PSB), Dominating Conflict Behaviors (DCB), and Non-Confronting Conflict Behaviors (NCB). A key focus of the study is to analyze how Transformational Leadership (TL), Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), and Team-Member Exchange (TMX) mediate these relationships, particularly in the context of work engagement. Furthermore, it investigates the moderating influence of Prosocial Motivation (PSM) on the interplay between FCBs (PSB, DCB, and NCB) and Work Engagement (WE). Utilizing Smart PLS 3.0 for its structural equation modeling, the study gathers data from 395 respondents to shed light on the direct, mediated, and moderated relationships involving FCBs and WE. Findings indicate a positive association between PSB and WE, whereas both DCB and NCB are shown to adversely affect WE. The study identifies TL as a significant mediator in the PSB-WE linkage, with LMX mediating the relationship across all forms of FCBs. Additionally, TMX is particularly influential in mediating the PSB-WE connection. In the context of moderation, PSM emerges as a pivotal element, shaping the dynamics between FCBs and WE. These insights are crucial for comprehending the intricate interactions of conflict behaviors, leadership styles, and engagement within Pakistani organizations. The study underscores the importance of further research in diverse cultural settings using various methodologies. It contributes significantly to the understanding of how conflict behaviors, leadership approaches, and motivational factors impact work engagement, offering critical guidance for enhancing employee engagement in multicultural contexts.