Examining the Relationships between Transformational and Transactional Leadership and Employee Engagement during the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effect of Employee Generations

Abstract

This study examines the effects of various dimensions of transformational (i.e., charismatic leadership, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, individual consideration) and transactional (i.e., contingent reward, and active management by exception) leadership on employee engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study explored moderating effects of generational differences (including Generation Z, Generation Y, Generation X) on the relationships between leadership and employee engagement. Based on a sample of 546 employees of three different generations, the findings of the multiple regression analysis showed mixed findngs. Implications and future directions for this study were discussed.