From Ethics to Effectiveness in Healthcare: Influence of Ethical Leadership, Work Environment & Job Security on Job Satisfaction

Abstract

In healthcare, ethical leadership (EL), work environment (WE), and job security (JS) have been widely studied, limited research has examined their integrated effects on job satisfaction through job performance in Pakistan's healthcare sector. The current study determines What is the influence of EL, WE & JS on Job Performance (JP)? What is the impact of EL, WE & JS on Job Satisfaction (JSA)? To what extend does JP mediates between EL, WE & JS and JSA? The study followed a quantitative cross-sectional methodology, employing purposive sampling to select respondents. Responses were collected from 276 doctors & pharmacists in Karachi and statistical analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The analysis confirms significant direct relationships of EL, WE, JS & JP with JSA. Similarly, EL and JS significantly relate to job performance (JP). In contrast, WE with JP and the mediating effect of JP between WE and JSA are insignificant. In addition, JP act as significant mediator between EL and JSA as well as JS and JSA. These findings provide practical guidance for policymakers, HR professionals, and healthcare leaders to strengthen ethical leadership, job security, and improve the work environments, thereby enhancing employee job performance and job satisfaction. Nevertheless, this study was limited to pharmacists and doctors in Karachi, which may constrain the broader applicability of the research findings. The results suggest that healthcare organizations should strengthen ethical leadership through targeted leadership development, implement performance management systems aligned with reward mechanisms, and establish clear job security policies to enhance employee performance and job satisfaction.

Keywords: ethical leadership, healthcare sector, job performance, job satisfaction, job security and work environment.