Social responsibility of military organizations: Effects of ethical leadership on the job and life satisfaction of military personnel through perceived military social responsibility

Abstract Sustainability issues have been extensively investigated in corporate social responsibility research; however, limited research has been conducted on sustainability issues in military organizations. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study investigated the relationships of ethical leadership with the job satisfaction and life satisfaction of military personnel as well as the mediating role of perceived military social responsibility (PMSR) in these relationships. A total of 581 valid questionnaires were collected from Taiwanese military personnel in three stages. Overall, the collected questionnaire data suggest that PMSR mediates the relationships of ethical leadership with job satisfaction and life satisfaction. The results of this study can be used as a reference by military organizations in the development of suitable policies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.