The double-edged sword of responsible leadership: a sequential mediation model of unethical pro-social behavior

Purpose In the light of conservation of resources theory and social learning theory, the current research investigates the impact of responsible leadership over unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) and unethical pro-family behavior (UPFB) via sequential mediation of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, it investigated the positive and negative effects of responsible leadership such that a responsible leader lessens UPB of employees, but it might cause unintentional UPFB through sequential mediation of OCB and emotional exhaustion. Design/methodology/approach The research data consist of supervisor-subordinate matching dyads in a time-lagged pattern from faculty and administrative staff of public universities in two waves. Findings The findings of the study reveal an indirect relationship between responsible leadership and unethical pro-social behavior via sequential mediation of OCB and emotional exhaustion. Originality/value Highlighting the importance of unethical practices at the workplace, the current study examines the effect of responsible leadership on unethical pro-social behavior. The study is novel in that it simultaneously investigates the bright and dark effects of responsible leadership in the context of higher education institutions.