Knowledge-Oriented Leadership, Critical Psychological States, and Positive Work Attitudes: Moderating Role of Managerial Coaching

Abstract

Using the psychological capital theory from micro-coaching perspectives, this research examined
the interactive effects of knowledge-oriented leadership and managerial coaching on employees' critical
psychological states leading to positive work attitudes. A survey of 156 librarians, information managers,
and library assistants from various public and private tertiary colleges in Punjab, Pakistan, was conducted
using existing measures. Results revealed that knowledge-oriented leadership enhances critical
psychological states (meaningfulness, safety, and availability), fostering positive work attitudes (creative
self-efficacy, affective commitment, and work engagement). Managerial coaching moderated these
relationships, amplifying the effect of knowledge-oriented leadership on critical psychological states and
cultivating more positive work attitudes, particularly for employees who received higher levels of coaching.
The findings underscore the importance of employee-centered leadership and development approaches in
enhancing the psychological capital of employees and their outcomes at work. The implications of these
findings are discussed.