This research, directed toward Iraqi universities, aims to investigate the mediating role of person–organization spiritual fit (POSF) in the relationship between spiritual leadership (SL) and employee retention (ER), as well as the moderating role of work–life balance (WLB) in this relationship.
A total of 276 university professors from Al-Muthanna University in Iraq participated in the survey. SmartPLS software was used to analyze the data and test the research variables.
The results showed that SL positively influences ER. The study also found that SL enhances POSF, which in turn positively affects ER. The study concluded that POSF mediates the relationship between SL and ER. Finally, the results demonstrated that WLB statistically and positively moderates the relationship between POSF and ER.
It is important to recognize that this study has some limitations, despite the fact that the authors used a segmental design to investigate the relationships between SL, POSF, WLB and ER. Future research could explore this model using a longitudinal approach. Second, given that the study of spirituality and psychology has generally been based on Western literature (Kristof, 1996; Ryff, 1989), this research is conducted in the higher education sector in Iraq in a non-Western context. Further studies are encouraged to evaluate our model in different cultures and regions worldwide (in an Arab or Eastern context). Third, the authors put forth and validated the mediating link of POSF that contributes to the connection between SL and ER. Future researchers could explore alternative mediating mechanisms in this context. Finally, the authors examined our proposed research model within the context of the higher education sector. Future researchers can apply the current study model to a range of service and industrial sectors, which could provide valuable insights.
First, this study explores the mediating role of POSF between SL and ER in Iraqi higher education institutions, and the moderating effect of WLB on this relationship. Second, the study validates the role of POSF in enhancing ER in Iraqi universities, highlighting its relevance in non-Western academic contexts, as highlighted by Crossman (2010) and Samul & Wangmo (2021). Third, the study highlights the importance of SL for ER in higher education institutions, as it fosters a cohesive and committed workforce by aligning with organizational values, thus promoting a powerful organizational culture that institutionalizes ER. Fourth, the study enhances the understanding of WLB as a moderating factor in SL and ER, contributing valuable insights for university leaders to increase job satisfaction and faculty loyalty and reduce turnover.
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to highlight POSF as a mediator between SL and ER. In addition, the analysis of WLB as a moderating factor deepens the understanding of the relationship between POSF and ER. This study also contributes to the literature on learning organizations by highlighting the role of SL in fostering an organizational culture based on shared values, a spirit of cooperation and a unified purpose – essential pillars of learning organizations. These findings are particularly relevant to universities, which, as learning organizations, grow and develop through the spiritual, ethical and professional advancement of their faculty members.
