The relationship between perceived organizational support, customer orientation, and ethical leadership in the retail industry: Focusing on the moderating effect of leader trust

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of perceived organizational support and customer orientation on ethical leadership and to examine the moderating effect of leader trust. Methods/Statistical analysis: This research was proceeded to survey the salespersons working at retailers. 125 questionnaires were used for the final analysis. The survey respondents were judged to have sufficient knowledge and experience about their organizations and their work. Reliability analysis, validity analysis, and regression analysis were conducted Findings: In this research, regression analysis was used to verify hypotheses. As a result of the analysis, it was found that perceived organizational support, customer orientation have a positive impact on ethical leadership. This research analyzed the moderating role of leader trust on the relationship between perceived organizational support and ethical leadership. As a result of this analysis, it was found that the leader trust showed a moderating effect. Also, this research analyzed the moderating role of leader trust on the relationship between customer orientation and ethical leadership. As a result of this analysis, it was found that the leader trust showed a moderating effect. So, all hypotheses were supported. Improvements/Applications: This study provides theoretical implications by expanding the antecedents of ethical leadership to distribution context and provides practical implications for the retail industry.