Strategic human resource management and employee engagement: the mediating role of authentic leadership

Abstract

The mediating role of authentic leadership on the relationship between strategic human resource management and employee engagement was studied (N=115) using three questionnaires combined in one. The research set out to investigate the inter relationships among the perception of employees of the degree of alignment of Human resource strategy with business strategy, employee engagement and the extent to which next superior is seen to be authentic. The goal of the research was to establish a model which companies could use to improve the engagement of their employees. The study used quantitative methods to collect data. The questionnaire was shared through Facebook and LinkedIn. Findings revealed a relationship between strategic human resource management, and authentic leadership as well as a relationship between authentic leadership and employee engagement. The mediating role of authentic leadership between strategic human resource management and employee engagement was not established. Future research could benefit from investigating the relationship between authentic leadership, employee engagement and factors such as gender. Further implications of results and future research are discussed.Keywords: Strategic human resource management, authentic leadership, employee engagement