Abstract:
This research investigates the impact of Authentic Leadership on Job Engagement, with
the mediating role of Aft-ective Commitment, within the banking sector of Ampara
District. In the evolving context of employee engagement and organization, l
performance, leadership styles have become central to understanding employee
motivation and commitment. The study employed a quantitative research design, using
descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and mediation analyses on data collected
from a sample of 200 employees across selected commercial banks in the region. The
results indicate that employees positively perceive authentic leadership behaviorscharacterized
by self--awareness. relational transparency, balanced processing, and ah
internalized moral perspective. These perceptions are significantly associated with
increased levels of affective commitment and job engagement. Specifically, the
findings suggest that authentic leadership fosters a strong emotional connectioh
between employees and their organizations, leading'to'greater enthusiasm, dedication,
and absorption in work-related tasks. lmportantly, mediation analysis confirms that
affective commitment significantly mediates the relationship between authentic
leadership and job engagement, reinforcing the notion tliat employees who are
emotionally committed to their organizations are more likely to be engaged, productive,
and resilient. These insights underscore the pivotal iole of leadership authenticity and
emotional attachment in driving workforce motivation. The study contributes vaiuable
empirical evidence and practical recommendations for HR professionals, policymakets,
and banking sector leaders, emphasizing the need to cultivate authentic and spiritually
aware leadership practices to build a committed and engaged workforce in the Sri
Lankan banking sector.
Keywords; Affective Commitment, Authentic Leadership, Banking Sector, .Iob
Engagement, Spiritual Leadership
