Open Access

The mediating effect of workaholism on the effect of digital leadership on job satisfaction

1 Kafkas University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Kars, Turkiye ROR
2 Giresun University, School of Civil Aviation, Giresun, Turkiye ROR
3 Trabzon University, Beşikdüzü Vocational School, Trabzon, Turkiye ROR

Abstract

In today’s world where digitalization is advancing rapidly, leadership approaches need to be redefined; digital leadership has gained importance as a form of leadership that uses technology strategically, encourages innovation and transforms employee experience. In this context, the study analyzed how digital leadership affects employees’ workaholism levels and the reflections of this effect on job satisfaction. The research was conducted with data obtained from 272 white-collar SME employees. As a result of the hypotheses tested with structural equation modeling; it was found that digital leadership has a significant and positive effect on workaholism, workaholism has a modest positive effect on job satisfaction and workaholism plays a partial mediating role in the effect of digital leadership on job satisfaction. It was also determined that digital leadership has a direct significant effect on job satisfaction. The unique aspect of this study is that it examines the relationship between digital leadership and job satisfaction through workaholism, an individual variable, and tests the model in a sample of SME employees in Turkiye. The findings reveal the multidimensional effects of digital leadership on organizational behaviors and indicate that leadership practices in digitalized business environments should be supported not only by technological but also by human-oriented strategies. In this context, the research both makes a theoretical contribution to literature and serves as a reference for practitioners.

Keywords

How to Cite

Oktaysoy, O., Topcuoglu, E., & Sahin, Y. (2025). The mediating effect of workaholism on the effect of digital leadership on job satisfaction. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 16(61), 1419–1441. https://doi.org/10.70736/ijoess.1665

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