Indirect Effects of Relationship Quality on Organizational Commitment among Academics in Sports Science: The Mediating Roles of Psychological Empowerment and Organizational Cynicism

Abstract

This study examines the mediating role of psychological empowerment and organizational cynicism in the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and organizational commitment among academics in sports science faculties in Turkey. Conducted as a cross-sectional survey with 405 participants (72.8% male, mean age=41.62) from various universities in Turkey, this research employed the PROCESS macro in SPSS to conduct a multiple mediation analysis. The findings revealed positive associations among the variables, particularly highlighting the direct impact of academics' LMX on organizational commitment. Additionally, the study identified a relative influence of organizational cynicism and empowerment on organizational commitment. Thus, it was concluded that relationship quality indirectly affects organizational commitment through these mediating factors. By examining the mediation processes between LMX and organizational commitment, this study contributes significantly to the existing literature. Moreover, the necessity for academic institutions to develop policies and programs designed to strengthen interactions between leaders and academics is emphasized. Furthermore, focusing on strategies to enhance trust and collaboration among employees and implementing measures to reduce organizational cynicism are essential. These measures include establishing transparent communication channels, promoting supportive leadership practices, and organizing activities to enhance employee participation. By adopting such measures, academic institutions can enhance employee commitment and foster a more productive work environment.

Keywords

• Leader-member exchange (LMX)
• organizational commitment
• psychological empowerment
• organizational cynicism
• academic institutions

Spor Bilimleri Akademisyenleri Arasında İlişki Kalitesinin Örgütsel Bağlılık Üzerindeki Dolaylı Etkileri: Psikolojik Güçlendirme ve Örgütsel Sinizmin Aracı Rolleri

Öz

Bu çalışma, Türkiye'deki spor bilimleri fakültelerindeki akademisyenler arasında lider-üye değişimi (LMX) ve örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki ilişkide psikolojik güçlendirme ve örgütsel sinizmin aracılık rolünü incelemektedir. Türkiye'deki çeşitli üniversitelerden 405 katılımcı (%72,8 erkek, ortalama yaş=41,62) ile kesitsel bir anket olarak yürütülen bu araştırma, çoklu aracılık analizi yapmak için SPSS'te PROCESS makrosunu kullanmıştır. Bulgular, değişkenler arasında pozitif ilişkiler olduğunu ortaya koymuş, özellikle akademisyenlerin LMX'inin örgütsel bağlılık üzerindeki doğrudan etkisini vurgulamıştır. Ayrıca, çalışma örgütsel sinizm ve güçlendirmenin örgütsel bağlılık üzerinde göreceli bir etkisi olduğunu tespit etmiştir. Böylece, ilişki kalitesinin bu aracı faktörler vasıtasıyla örgütsel bağlılığı dolaylı olarak etkilediği sonucuna varılmıştır. Bu çalışma, LMX ve örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki aracılık süreçlerini inceleyerek mevcut literatüre önemli bir katkı sağlamaktadır. Ayrıca, akademik kurumların liderler ve akademisyenler arasındaki etkileşimi güçlendirmek için tasarlanmış politika ve programlar geliştirmelerinin gerekliliği vurgulanmaktadır. Ayrıca, çalışanlar arasında güven ve işbirliğini artıracak stratejilere odaklanılması ve örgütsel sinizmi azaltacak tedbirlerin uygulanması elzemdir. Bu tedbirler arasında şeffaf iletişim kanallarının kurulması, destekleyici liderlik uygulamalarının teşvik edilmesi ve çalışanların katılımını artıracak faaliyetlerin düzenlenmesi yer almaktadır. Akademik kurumlar bu tür önlemleri benimseyerek çalışanların bağlılığını artırabilir ve daha üretken bir çalışma ortamını teşvik edebilir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Lider-üye ilişkisi (LMX)
• örgütsel bağlılık
• psikolojik güçlendirme
• örgütsel sinizm
• akademik kurumlar

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