THE MEDIATING ROLE OF LEADER-MEMBER EXCHANGE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE AND JOB INSECURITY

This study delves into the context of organizational settings by exploring the role that organizational justice (OJ) and leader-member exchange (LMX) can have on perceived job insecurity (JI). This study was based in the theoretical perspective of Uncertainty Management Theory (UMT). The sample comprises 357 workers from the Balkan region, with most of them (64.7%) working in private companies. Findings showed that dimensions of organizational justice (distributive, procedural, interpersonal, informational) and LMX have significant positive correlations, while organizational justice has a significant negative correlation with JI. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that relations between the dimensions of organizational justice and JI were partially mediated by LMX. The theoretical implications of this study serve to further understand the potential role LMX may have in an organizational environment and to further expand Uncertainty Management Theory. The practical implications of this study could contribute to both employees’ well-being and better work-related outcomes. Future research avenues are discussed.