The Mediating Role of Quiet Quitting in the Effect of Leadership Styles on Job Satisfaction within the Context of the Multi Leadership Model

Abstract In this study, nine leadership styles—transformational, principled, servant, transactional, entrepreneurial, strategic, empowering, visionary, and authoritarian—were examined to determine whether they are associated with quiet quitting and how they affect job satisfaction. The study was designed using a quantitative research approach, and data were collected via surveys from 300 employees working in different sectors in Turkey through the LinkedIn platform. Confirmatory factor analysis, correlation, and regression analyses were employed to analyze the data. Additionally, structural equation modeling and bootstrap tests were utilized. The results revealed that only authoritarian, empowering, and servant leadership styles had statistically significant effects. According to these findings, authoritarian leadership triggers quiet quitting behaviors, thereby reducing job satisfaction. On the other hand, servant leadership was found to have a positive impact on job satisfaction. Furthermore, quiet quitting was shown to negatively affect job satisfaction. In conclusion, considering the effects of leadership styles on quiet quitting and job satisfaction, it becomes evident that avoiding authoritarian management behaviors and adopting a participative and supportive leadership approach that acknowledges employees’ needs is crucial.