Relationship between ethical leadership and organizational commitment: A case study at Charmo University, Iraq

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational commitment as a case study of Charmo University, Iraq. The study implemented the descriptive analytical method, and a survey instrument comprising six constructs (ethical leadership practices: fairness, orientation to people, separation of power, emotional commitment, normative commitment, and continuous commitment) was designed and administered to teaching staff within the academic departments of Charmo University in Iraq. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS, and Amos 25, to test the hypotheses. The results in this study show the strength of the ethical leadership relationship and its ability in the effectiveness of teaching staff organizational commitment at Charmo University and its faculties. The study also confirmed a positive correlation between (fairness, orientation to people, separation of power), and organizational commitment. However, fairness has a lower relationship with organizational commitment, and the correlation not significant, compared to the other two dimensions orientation to people, and separation of power. The results of the regression analysis showed in support of the study hypotheses. Ethical leadership and it is dimensions fairness, orientation to people, separation of power, impacted organizational commitment. As the originality/value, this study contributes to improving the literature by representing that ethical leadership stands as the base for improving organizational commitment; thus, the improved organizational commitment contributes to improving the teaching staff's commitment to their institution.