Investigating the impact of spiritual leadership on job performance of academicians in Bangladesh: a structural equation modeling approach

Purpose This research examines the influence of spiritual leadership on the performance of academics at educational institutions as evolving learning organisations in Bangladesh. By examining the many aspects of spiritual leadership, including vision, hope, altruistic love and organisational commitment, this study aims to understand their effects on job performance and the function of work ethics as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach The study used a quantitative research approach and applied Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0 to analyse data obtained from a representative sample of 336 academics from various educational institutions in Bangladesh. The use of the SEM technique facilitated the investigation of intricate connections between characteristics of spiritual leadership, work ethics and the performance of academics. Findings The study revealed a robust and significant relationship between spiritual leadership and academic performance. Specifically, the components of spiritual leadership – vision, hope, altruistic love and organisational commitment – positively impacted job performance. In addition, the results demonstrated that work ethics mediate, strengthening the link between spiritual leadership and job performance. Research limitations/implications The scope of this research is confined to educational institutions in Bangladesh, potentially limiting the results’ applicability to other cultural or institutional settings. Subsequent investigations might broaden the range of inquiry to include comparison analyses across other nations or educational frameworks to enhance the model’s validation. Practical implications Integrating spiritual leadership ideas into their leadership practices may improve academic performance, allowing educational leaders and policymakers to improve their effectiveness. By fostering a supportive environment that emphasises vision, hope, altruistic love and organisational commitment, leaders can improve work ethics, job satisfaction and overall performance among academicians. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the current body of research by presenting empirical data on how spiritual leadership affects the performance of academics in the educational sector of Bangladesh. This statement emphasises the significance of spiritual leadership in meeting the comprehensive needs of academics and emphasises the relevance of professional ethics in improving job performance. This research offers valuable insights for developing leadership practices that promote a supportive and motivating work environment in educational institutions. This research also contributes to the growing literature on leadership and performance, highlighting the intricate interplay between leadership styles, ethical behaviour and employee outcomes.