Exploring the interplay between organizational justice and health-related quality of life among academic staff: happiness as a mediator

Purpose Academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to contribute to diverse demands related to teaching, research, administration and student activities. Addressing multiple expectations is potentially stressful with adverse consequences for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the teachers as well as for the learning environment. Perceived organizational justice is likely to influence the HRQOL, both physical and mental health, of the teachers. Happiness as a state of mind and subjective well-being serves to translate perceived organizational justice into better HRQOL among academic staff. The present study, therefore, addresses the relationship between organizational justice and HRQOL, with happiness as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach The present study adopted an exploratory research approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey among 226 academic staff teaching in undergraduate programs in select universities (HEIs) in India. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS 4. Findings The results indicated a significant and positive relationship between organizational justice, happiness and HRQOL. Happiness was found to partially mediate the relationship between organizational justice and HRQOL. Originality/value The study provides a roadmap for higher education administrators to create a just and supportive work environment resulting in healthier, motivated and productive teachers.