The Moderating Effect of Psychological Safety in the Relationship Between Empowering Leadership and Thriving at work: Application of Latent Moderated Structural Equations

This study aims to examine the moderating effect of psychological safety in the relationship between empowering leadership and thriving at work using latent moderated structural equations. Using the Socially Embedded Model based on self-determination theory, we examined how autonomy, competence, and relatedness enhanced thriving at work through proactive behaviors and how these behaviors interacted with contextual factors in the work environment. We collected data from 372 employees in large and medium-sized companies in South Korea. The results showed that empowering leadership was positively related to thriving at work and that psychological safety moderated this relationship. However, the relationship between psychological safety and thriving at work was not significant. Based on the findings, we discussed theoretical and practical implications and suggested recommendations for further studies.