Leadership's double-edged sword: the role of psychological capital in pro-social rule breaking among healthcare professionals

This study explores the intersection of ethical leadership, relational leadership, and prosocial rule-breaking (PSRB) in the healthcare sector, focusing on the moderated mediation effects of moral identity and psychological capital. Addressing a gap in leadership literature, the research investigates how dual leadership styles influence PSRB among healthcare professionals. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires from professionals across multiple hospitals. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings reveal that both ethical and relational leadership styles are positively associated with PSRB. Furthermore, psychological capital significantly moderates the indirect relationship between leadership styles and PSRB via moral identity. These results highlight the importance of value-driven and relational leadership in promoting constructive deviance for the greater good in complex healthcare environments. The study advances leadership theory by integrating moral identity and psychological capital as underlying psychological mechanisms. Practically, it offers valuable insights for developing healthcare leadership strategies that encourage prosocial rule-breaking to enhance patient care and organizational outcomes.

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