From Isolation to Inspiration: How Work Engagement Bridges Ostracism and Sparking Leadership Effectiveness

Background: Workplace ostracism can undermine employee morale, reduce productivity, and harm organizational outcomes. Sparking leadership is crucial in shaping a positive work culture and mitigating ostracism's negative effects. This study examines the intersection of ostracism, sparking leadership, and work engagement, focusing on how leadership can transform a toxic environment into one of collaboration and innovation. Aim: To investigate the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between organizational ostracism and sparking leadership. The study aims to identify strategies that leaders can use to counteract ostracism and foster an inclusive, high-performing workplace. Methodology: A quantitative causal survey was conducted with 790 healthcare professionals in Turkey, using validated scales to measure perceptions of sparking leadership, organizational ostracism, and work engagement. Statistical analyses, including multiple regression and mediation analysis, were performed with SPSS and Process Macro. Results: The findings showed a significant negative correlation between sparking leadership and organizational ostracism, with work engagement as a key mediator. Increased perceptions of sparking leadership led to reduced ostracism, mediated by higher employee engagement. Conclusion: Sparking leadership can effectively mitigate workplace ostracism by fostering engagement and motivation, enhancing organizational cohesion and performance. These insights offer practical implications for developing more resilient and inclusive workplace environments.