Leading with integrity: illuminating the pathway to positive job outcomes through ethical leadership and CSR

Purpose This paper aims to how ethical leadership influences innovative behavior and employee motivation, focusing on the mediating role of corporate social responsibility within the framework of social exchange theory (SET). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 341 bank employees using convenience sampling, and hypotheses were rigorously tested with SPSS 22. Findings The results highlight the significant impact of ethical leadership on enhancing both employee innovation and motivation, with corporate social responsibility initiatives playing a crucial mediating role. Originality/value Drawing on SET, the research illustrates how ethical leadership fosters a reciprocal exchange environment, leading to deeper employee engagement and innovation driven by positive corporate social responsibility practices. By advancing theoretical understanding and providing practical insights, this study offers valuable guidance for organizations aiming to leverage ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility to cultivate a workforce that is both innovative and motivated.