EXPLORING THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION IN EMPLOYEE BURNOUT

Abstract

This study investigates the role of ethical leadership in preventing employee burnout caused by
work overload. The aim is to explore how work overload results in emotional exhaustion, which leads to
burnout, and how ethical leadership can moderate the relationship between emotional exhaustion and
employee burnout. Survey responses were gathered from 385 faculty members of Pakistani public higher
educational institutions (HEIs), and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The study
confirms that work overload causes emotional exhaustion, which leads to employee burnout, and that ethical
leadership moderates the relationship between emotional exhaustion and employee burnout. Organizations
that prioritize ethical leadership reduce stress and burnout among their employees. Ethical leadership is
associated with various positive outcomes, including increased employee well-being, work performance, job
satisfaction, dedication and efficiency, voice behavior, and psychological safety. The study concludes that
ethical leadership plays a significant role in preventing employee burnout, and fostering superior ethical
leadership practices and behaviors can improve organizational culture and outcomes for both employers and
employees. The study further recommends exploring the moderating role of ethical leadership on employee
burnout in other contexts.