The Moderating Effect of Accountability on the Relationship Between Authentic Leadership and Job Satisfaction in a U.S. Naval Unit

December 3, 2025

The Moderating Effect of Accountability on the Relationship Between Authentic Leadership and Job Satisfaction in a U.S. Naval Unit

Charles Edward Hulse | 2021

Abstract

This study used quantitative research to explore the moderating effects of the accountability constructs of responsibility, openness, and answerability on the relationship between the authentic leadership behaviors of self-awareness, internal moral perspective, balanced processing, and relational transparency and the single aspect of job satisfaction. A hierarchical multiple regression model was designed to measure the proposed variables within the relationship being explored. Research found that limited investigation exists regarding the hierarchical regression model study of accountability as a moderating effect on authentic leadership and job satisfaction. The quantitative model consisted of 16 separate hypotheses. The sample population consisted of 104 usable responses out of 106 total respondents (N = 104) among three separate naval units who had the same mission objectives. Permission was received by the three Commanding Officers to conduct the study on the various sites. Initial results, Hypotheses 1 through 4, continue to significantly support the theoretical assumption that self-awareness, internalized moral perspective, balanced processing, and relational transparency enhance the construct of job satisfaction. However, adding the moderating effect of responsibility, openness, and answerability hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed partial support. The study found that there were mixed results among the 12 hypotheses that looked at accountability as a moderating effect to the relationship between the behaviors of authentic leadership and job satisfaction. The research concluded with a focus on significance of the findings, theoretical implications resulting, and recommendations for future research.

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