The Mediating Role of Spirituality in the Impact of Employees’ Dark Leadership Perceptions on Organizational Dissent

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the potential mediating role of spirituality in the relationship between perceptions of dark leadership and the level of organizational dissent. The research used a convenience sampling method with an online survey technique. The participants consisted of 424 individuals aged 18 and over working in Istanbul. The survey included scales measuring the perception of dark leadership, organizational dissent, and spirituality. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS PROCESS macro. The research found a signifcant and positive correlation between the perception of dark leadership and the level of organizational dissent. However, contrary to initial expectations, spirituality did not mediate this relationship. An increase in employees’ perceptions of dark leadership among their managers directly infuences an increase in organizational dissent. That is, as employees’ perceptions of their managers’ dark leadership characteristics increase, the level of dissent within the organization also increases, independently of spirituality.