The impact of Leader-Member exchange on the job satisfaction and civic virtue relationship: insights from Italian service organisations

Building on the social exchange theory, this study explores the moderating role of leader-member exchange (LMX) quality in the relationship between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB), specifically civic virtue. Hayes’ regression approach was used to analyse data from fifteen Italian service organisations. The results reveal a significant positive association between job satisfaction and civic virtue. Furthermore, LMX quality was found to amplify this relationship, with a more pronounced effect observed when LMX quality was high. This underscores the crucial role of fostering positive leader-member relationships to promote OCB directed toward the organisation, such as civic virtue. The study also enhances the theoretical understanding of civic virtue and its relationship with job satisfaction and LMX quality, thereby enriching the academic discourse in the field of OCB. Lastly, the study provides practical implications for organisations aiming to improve workplace dynamics and enhance employee engagement in extra-role behaviours.