Transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behavior : The moderating role of emotional intelligence

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the transformational leadership (TL) – employees’ organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and employees’ emotional intelligence (EI) – employees’ OCB associations. In addition, this study explored the moderating role of employees’ EI on the TL – employees’ OCB relationship. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in 50 organizations in Iran, on a sample of 2,021 employees. Findings The findings of this research showed that TL and employees’ EI positively and significantly influence employees’ OCB. Additionally, the results revealed that employees’ EI moderates the TL – employees’ OCB association. Practical implications Iranian organizations should invest in TL and EI training and in the selection of mangers with TL style and employees with good level of EI in order to enrich the OCB of employees. Originality/value The present study is one of the first to examine the TL – employees’ OCB and employees’ EI – employees’ OCB relationships, and the moderating influence of employees’ EI on the TL – employees’ OCB association in a developing country, Iran.