Servant leadership and employee engagement: a systematic review and future research agenda

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between servant leadership (SL) and employee engagement (EE) and highlight the role that different mediators and moderators play in influencing their relationship. This study provides a thorough understanding of the existing literature, synthesizing the results of 30 empirical articles published between 2014 and 2025 and identifying research gaps for further investigation. Design/methodology/approach Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework, the review carefully performs a systematic screening and selection procedure to find the most pertinent research articles. Finally, 30 articles were identified examining the direct and indirect relationships between SL and EE, focusing on individual and contextual contexts. Findings The majority of the analyzed studies − 23 out of 30 − show a direct and significant correlation between SL and EE conducted across industries. Nonetheless, the research studies demonstrate a deep understanding of the indirect link between SL and EE by studying mediators such as organizational support, meaningfulness and job satisfaction. Additionally, various moderators, including autonomy and employee proactivity, were found to either enhance or impede the relationship between SL and EE. Some studies suggest that the effectiveness of SL in fostering EE is contingent upon contextual or individual factors, thus questioning the link between SL and EE. Originality/value This study represents the first systematic literature review of SL and EE, with the direct and indirect relationships between these two constructs. It highlights the need for further exploration in underrepresented areas such as cultural context, mixed-methods research and the long-term effects of SL on EE. The review enriches academic literature and provides actionable insights for scholars and practitioners seeking to enhance leadership effectiveness and EE.