The Moderating Role of Impression Management in the Effect of Workaholic Leader Perception on Burnout

Aim: To determine the relationships among workaholic leadership perception, impression management, and burnout, and to examine whether impression management moderates the relationship between workaholic leadership perception and burnout. Method: The sample of this cross-sectional, correlational study consisted of 273 healthcare workers employed in a public hospital in Sivas Province between 30.07.2023 and 29.02.2024. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression, and Hayes Process Macro analyses were conducted using the SPSS 23 software package. Results: Impression management positively and significantly affected burnout (β=0.240, p<0.05). No significant direct effect of perceived workaholic leadership on burnout was found (β=-0.028; p>0.01). The moderating effect of impression management on the relationship between workaholic leadership perception and burnout was found to be significant (β=0.067; t=2.095; p<0.05). The relationship between workaholic leader perception and burnout was negative and significant when impression management was low (β =-0.095; t =-2.294; p<0.05). Conclusion: Results showed that low levels of impression management helped employees experiencing pressure from a workaholic leader to conserve their emotional resources and cope with that pressure. Workaholic leaders or managers should develop methods to reduce the need for impression management and create a supportive atmosphere to help employees cope with burnout.