The effect of servant leadership on turnover intentions : mediating effects of perceived organizational support, job satisfaction and job embeddedness

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical foundation for the effects of servant leadership and to examine the mediating effects of perceived organizational support, job satisfaction and job embeddedness on employees turnover intentions. Design/methodology/approach: Data is gathered from the responses of 115 full-time employees from a number of organizations in a metropolitan area in the southeastern United States to a questionnaire survey. Findings: Servant leadership is a significant predictor of POS, job embeddedness and job satisfaction. Support is found for the mediating effect of POS and job embeddedness on the servant leadership-turnover intentions relationship. Practical implications: Organizations can put steps into place to decrease turnover intentions through increasing links between individuals within the workplace and community, increasing potential sacrifices and adopting a servant leadership style of management. Originality/value: This paper has an original approach as it examines the mechanisms through which servant leadership affects turnover intentions.