Paths from leadership to upward influence

Abstract

Purpose – This inquest into consumer goods companies in Vietnam aims to examine if leadership influences corporate social responsibility (CSR) and emotional intelligence (EI), which in turn influences upward influence behavior. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling approach contributed to the analysis of 406 responses returned from self-administered structured questionnaires sent to 690 middle level managers. Findings – From the findings emerged a model of upward influence behavior and its antecedents such as leadership, CSR, and EI. Transformational leadership, ethical CSR, and high level of EI were found to nurture organizationally beneficial upward influence tactics. Originality/value – Through the findings of the study, the insight into the leadership-based model of upward influence behavior underscores the role of transformational leadership style, ethical CSR, as well as team EI in the cultivation of organizationally beneficial upward influence tactics in consumer goods companies in Vietnam business context.