THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP STYLES AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR IN ORGANISATION: CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the conceptual relationship between leadership styles and counterproductive work behaviour with psychological distress as a mediator in an organisation. The study necessitated by the use of inappropriate leadership styles in an organisation, which led to counterproductive work behaviour and psychological distress among employees that eventually led to the organisation poor performance. The methodology adopted in this study was a content analysis of existing literature on the mediating effect of psychological distress on the relationship between leadership styles and counterproductive work behaviour. In line with the existing literature, leadership styles as independent variable is proxied by transformational, transactional and servant leadership styles. At the same time, counterproductive work behaviour used as a dependent.  Psychological distress as a mediator. The findings of the study, revealed that there was conceptual relationship between leadership styles and counterproductive work behaviour. Also, there was conceptual relationship among leadership style, psychological distress and counterproductive work behaviour. It is concluded that leadership styles positively affect counterproductive work behaviour and psychological distress. Also, useful and suitable Leadership styles play a vital role in reducing counterproductive work behaviour and psychological distress. In line with the preceding, the paper recommends that an organisation should adopt consistent and suitable leadership styles to reduce the problem of counterproductive behaviour and psychological distress in an organisation.