Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Readiness to Industry 5.0 : A Double-Mediation Model
Authors
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Jihad Hoblos
Project Manager, Master's Degree in Strategic Leadership, College of Business (COB), Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1216-9926
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Amit Kumar
Assistant Professor – Management (Corresponding Author), College of Business (COB), Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8367-9981
- Ross Davidson Professor of Management, College of Business (COB), Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i12/175031Keywords:
transformational leadership, perceived organizational support, employee cognitive engagement, employee readiness for Industry 5.0.JEL Classification Codes : D23, M12, M54
Publication Chronology: Paper Submission Date : July 1, 2025 ; Paper sent back for Revision : August 30, 2025 ; Paper Acceptance Date : November 25, 2025 ; Paper Published Online : December 15, 2025
Abstract
Purpose : Transformational leadership is widely recognized for its positive influence on employee outcomes, including readiness for change. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms by which perceived organizational support (POS) and employee cognitive engagement (ECE) function in the context of Industry 5.0.
Methodology : The theoretical foundation was based on the dynamic capability perspective and social cognitive theory. The data were collected via a structured online survey shared with employees from various organizations based in the UAE. IBM SPSS was used to conduct simple regression analysis, while AMOS was used to perform SEM.
Findings : The findings revealed that transformational leadership had a significant positive influence on employee readiness for Industry 5.0, with the double mediation roles of POS and ECE in the relationship.
Practical Implications : The study provided insights for leaders, organizational practitioners, and policymakers, highlighting the importance of engagement and supportive environments and engaging employees cognitively to navigate the complexities of this transformative era.
Originality/Value : This article is the first to offer empirical insights into a set of relationships among transformational leadership, employee readiness, POS, and ECE. Moreover, this study contributed to the literature on organizational behavior, leadership studies, and change management by proposing a conceptual framework that explained readiness for change in the context of Industry 5.0.
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References
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