Crossover of Work–Life Balance Perceptions: Does Authentic Leadership Matter?

This research contributes to an improved understanding ofauthentic leadership at the work-life interface. Webuild on conservation of resources theory todevelop a leader-follower crossover model of the impact of authentic leadership on followers’ job satisfaction through leaders’ and followers’ work-life balance. The model integrates authentic leadership and crossover literatures to suggestthat followersperceive authentic leaders to better balance their professional and private lives, which in turn enables followers to achieve a positive work-life balance, and ultimatelymakes them more satisfiedin their jobs. Data from working adults collected in a correlational field study (N= 121) and an experimental study (N= 154) generally supported indirect effects linking authentic leadership to job satisfaction through work-life balance perceptions. However, both studies highlighted the relevance of followers’ own work-life balance as a mediatormore so thanthe sequence of leaders’and followers’work-life balance.We discuss theoretical implications of these findings from a conservation of resources perspective, andemphasize how authentic leadership represents an organizationalresource at the work-life interface. We also suggest practical implications of developing authentic leadership in organizations to promote employees’ well-being as well as avenues for future research.