Transformational leadership and career success: a moderated mediation model of proactive career behavior and role ambiguity

Purpose This study examines the mediating and moderating role of proactive career behavior (PCB) and role ambiguity (RA) in the relationship between transformational leadership and subjective career success (SCS). Design/methodology/approach This study is a moderated mediation model with a sample size of 408 employees as respondents working in seven different organizations in the hospitality industry in the northern region of India. For the analysis of data, SmartPLS is used, and moderated mediation is done by Hayes Process Macro. Findings The results report that PCB mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and SCS. Also, it has been found that RA will moderate this relationship. Practical implications The result of the study on SCS will be beneficial for organizations facing high attrition. Also, the paper brings forth the importance of transformational leadership and the impact of RA on employees' career success. Leaders and seniors in an organization need to focus on reducing RA. Originality/value This study is unique since the relationship between transformational leadership and SCS has been examined in the hospitality industry. In addition, perhaps RA as a moderator influencing PCB and career success has been studied for the first time.