The Relation Between Ethical Leadership and Workplace Conflicts: The Mediating Role of Employee Resolution Efficacy

Abstract

Drawing on social learning theory, this research examined the role of ethical leadership in conflict situations. Specifically, ethical leadership was predicted to build employees’ resolution efficacy and subsequently increase employees’ ability to deal with conflict situations in the workplace (i.e., relationship, task, and process conflict). A multisource study in Europe and a two-wave design study in Africa showed support for our mediation model. These findings expand and unite existing theory on conflict and ethical leadership.