The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment in the Effect of Leader-Member Exchange on Work Engagement

In this research, it is aimed to determine the effect of leader-member exchange on work engagement and the mediating role of psychological empowerment on this effect. The hypotheses formed within the framework of the research model were evaluated by using the data set from 186 participants working in textile sector and the statistical analysis programs. As a result of statistical analysis, the research findings showed that the effect of the leader-member exchange on work engagement and psychological empowerment and finally psychological empowerment on work engagement. The result of the study also confirm the fully mediating role of psychological empowerment in the positive impact of leader-member exchange on employees' work engagement, expressed in the main hypothesis of the study. It can be interpreted that the fully mediating role, verified by the research results, allows leaders to delegate authority to their subordinates with the sense of confidence created by the leader-member exchange and increase the engagement of psychologically empowered employees with this authority transfer. In the discussion and conclusion part of the study, the obtained results were compared with the literature.