Influence of ethical leadership on emotional exhaustion in the Colombian electricity sector. The moderating role of an ethical climate of principles

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of ethical leadership on emotional exhaustion in the Colombian electricity sector through the moderating role of a principled ethical climate, with a simple moderation scheme. The research design was transversal with a non-experimental scope. The sample was calculated probabilistically by conglomerates. A total of 175 women and 273 men from six organizations in the Colombian electricity sector participated. According to the results, ethical leadership and a principled climate are negatively related to emotional exhaustion. However, when ethical leadership transits through a highly moral principled climate, this relationship changes its meaning. In conclusion, ethical leadership and a principled ethical climate attenuate follower emotional exhaustion as long as there is a balance between the personal and managerial aspects conveyed by the leader.