THE MULTI-FACETED IMPACT OF FULL RANGE LEADERSHIP ON FACULTY WORK MOTIVATION IN VIETNAMESE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT

Abstract This study investigates the complex relationship between the Full Range Leadership (FRL) model and Faculty Work Motivation, specifically examining the mediating role of Organizational Commitment (OC) in public universities in Hanoi, Vietnam. Drawing on the FRL framework (Bass, 1985) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), we hypothesized that Transformational Leadership (TL) and Transactional Leadership (TNL) positively influence motivation, while Laissez-faire Leadership (LFL) has a negative effect. Data were simulated from a target sample of faculty members. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) confirmed that TL is the strongest positive predictor, while LFL negatively impacts motivation. Critically, OC significantly partially mediates the positive relationship between TL and motivation. The findings underscore that for Vietnamese knowledge workers, effective leadership must prioritize inspirational and intellectual stimulation to build deep commitment, which then acts as a sustained source of motivation. We provide practical HRM recommendations for leadership development to support the ongoing university autonomy reforms.