The impact of transformational leadership by chiefs and supervisors on law enforcement turnover intention: an examination of job satisfaction and commitment as mediators

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate how law enforcement officers’ turnover intentions are affected by their perceptions of transformational leadership from both chiefs and supervisors as well as their job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing a large sample of 13,072 sworn law enforcement officers from 85 agencies across the United States, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the impacts of transformational leadership by chiefs and supervisors on turnover intention. Additionally, this study investigates the mediating effects of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in these relationships. Findings The findings indicate that transformational leadership from both law enforcement chiefs and supervisors significantly reduces officers’ turnover intention by enhancing their job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Importantly, while the impact of chiefs’ transformational leadership on turnover intention is partially mediated by job satisfaction and organizational commitment, the influence of supervisors’ transformational leadership is fully mediated by these factors. This indicates that chiefs’ transformational leadership has a direct and significant impact on reducing turnover intention. In contrast, supervisors’ transformational leadership reduces turnover intention entirely through its positive effects on job satisfaction and organizational commitment, highlighting the critical role these mediators play in the supervisory context. Originality/value This study highlights the critical role of transformational leadership at different hierarchical levels within the police force, with particular emphasis on the stronger impact of chiefs’ transformational leadership. It provides insights into organizational challenges and policy implications aimed at reducing turnover intentions among law enforcement officers.