Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 42 no. 1 (2025)

Developing Positive Workplace Environments: Strategies for Transforming Problematic Workers into Contributing Members

Jiomarie Jesus | Clara Jane Carcuevas | Apolinar Fudalan | Gloria Espiloy | Jovert Delegencia | Anthony Paderes

Discipline: human resource management

 

Abstract:

This study addresses the persistent challenge of rehabilitating underperforming employees by proposing a leadershipdriven behavioral transformation framework grounded in Transformational Leadership Theory and Positive Relationship Theory. Despite extensive literature on workplace engagement, a critical gap remains in integrating psychological, relational, and motivational strategies to restore productivity among disengaged employees. Using a quantitative design, the study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze responses from 375 employees across diverse sectors in Metro Cebu, Philippines, who met criteria related to tenure and leadership exposure. Findings revealed that transformational leadership dimensions—individualized consideration (β = 0.428), intellectual stimulation (β = 0.392), inspirational motivation (β = 0.345), and idealized influence (β = 0.376)—significantly enhanced work engagement, which in turn predicted higher productivity (β = 0.615). Intrinsic motivation also moderated the engagement–productivity pathway (β = 0.283), affirming its role as a psychological catalyst; these insights contribute a validated, scalable model for inclusive leadership, employee recovery, and strategic organizational development.



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